How and Nosm
How and Nosm (Raoul and Davide Perre) are identical twin brothers known for their large scale graffiti based murals that adorn city walls around the world. The red, black, and white-based imagery is instantly recognizable and commands attention through the impressive size and the intricate detail. Initially the color palette was limited for practicality but instead has become a distinct calling card and formal choice that has allowed these artists to push spray paint to a new level.
Born in Spain, German in heritage, and currently residing in New York, their influence appropriately extends internationally. Whether you visit South America, Europe, Asia, or cities around the U.S. you will be likely to encounter their work. Commissioned and facilitated, they have become sought after artists, an ironic progression, where the outsiders have become insiders and are currently redefining what constitutes graffiti and public art.
In the beginning, the twins first encountered graffiti as young teenagers. Skateboarding and tagging were the influences until the aerosol can was first introduced and the range of colors and options seemed endless. The traditional letterform art of graffiti writing was learned and they earned their stripes painting names on trains together.
The closeness between the brothers is inspiring. They finish one another’s sentences much like they continue their lines on mural walls and work in sync without hesitation. One ends and the other begins, their complicated yet effortless contours twist and turn like a three-dimensional maze. There is a flow present that is part of this process that allows their individuality to merge for a unified statement. Something that seems essential for artists who work on a large scale.
The limited palette and complicated compositions in all their work is visually mesmerizing but once the viewer is over the magnitude of the accomplishment, the activities within the artwork keep you coming back for more. Their stylized characters seem friendly but when looking carefully they are involved in some very dark activities. Alcoholism, betrayal, abuse of power, and other repulsive actions are ongoing. As you peel back one layer, another story is revealed that further complicates the message and meaning. A world that appears very dim and dark yet treated with respect, it’s as though a mirror is being held up to society, a dizzying effect that requires patience and time to unwind.
The aerosol can is paramount in all their public works and is the essential ingredient they use to raise this imagery to new levels. Precise execution and determination is what has driven them. Their style is essentially who they are as artists and people as a grittiness is hidden beneath levels of thoughtful design and bold form.
CHRONOLOGY
2000
GUERNSEY’S, “GRAFFITI AT AUCTION”, GROUP SHOW, PUCK BUILDING
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2001
GOETHE INSTITUTE
MURAL INSTALLATION
LISBON, PORTUGAL
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE, “FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL”, PERMANENT COLLECTION
WASHINGTON, DC, USA
2002
TAXIE GALLERY, (GALLERY d’ART NOMADE), “KOSMOPOLITE” GROUP SHOW
PARIS, FRANCE
KOSMOPOLITE FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE GRAFFITI ET DE STREET ART
PARIS, FRANCE
HOSTOS ART GALLERY, “BARRIOS”, COLLABORATION WITH JOHN “CRASH” MATOS
BRONX, NY, USA
2003
ART LINK INTERNATIONAL, “BARRIOS”, COLLABORATION WITH JOHN “CRASH” MATOS
LAKE WORTH, FL, USA
KAROLYN SHERWOOD GALLERY, “BARRIOS”, COLLABORATION WITH JOHN “CRASH” MATOS
DES MOINES, IOWA, USA
MCCAIG-WELLES GALLERY, “BATTLE GRAPHICS” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2004
JACOB K. JAVITS CENTER, INTERNATIONAL ARTEXPO
NEW YORK, NY, USA
LILLE, EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE, MURAL INSTALLATION
LILLE, FRANCE
TOY TOKYO GALLERY, “TAG THE SYSTEM” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
PAUL RODGERS Gallery/9W, “THE BREAK IN” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES, “TATS CRU” GROUP SHOW
BROOKLYN, NY, USA
BOSTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS, “FUTURE CLASSIC” GROUP SHOW
BOSTON, MA, USA
PHILLIPS DE PURY AND LUXEMBOURG GALLERY, “DOWNTOWN FOR DEMOCRACY” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2005
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MURAL INSTALLATION AND LECTURE
BOSTON, MA, USA
MCCAIG-WELLES GALLERY, “SCION ART INSTALLATION 2”
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2006
FUSE GALLERY “NEW YORK’S OWN” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
THE SHOWROOM NYC, “DECKED OUT” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
THE AURORA GALLERY, “THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT” GROUP SHOW
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, USA
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MURAL INSTALLATION
BOSTON, MA, USA
2007
THE SHOWROOM NYC, “TOKYOPLASTIC” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2008
BRONX MUSEUM OF THE ARTS
MURAL INSTALLATION
BRONX, NY, USA
LORD & TAYLOR, “ART IN ACTION”
MURAL INSTALLATION
NEW YORK, NY, USA
GRAND SOCIETY GALLERY, “MARKING IT UP” GROUP SHOW
BROOKLYN, NY, USA
2009
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
MURAL INSTALLATION
MILAN, ITALY
EXIHIBITION CENTER (HKCEC)
MURAL INSTALLATION
HONG KONG, CHINA
2010
GOETHE INSTITUTE
MURAL INSTALLATION
QUITO, ECUADOR
UNIVERSIDAD TECHNOLOGICA
MURAL INSTALLATION
SALINAS, ECUADOR
MUSEO DE LA CUIDAD DE MEXICO, “DRAW”
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
212 FIREHOUSE - POP UP INSTALLATION, “LIVING WITH OTHER PEOPLE” GROUP SHOW
BROOKLYN, NY, USA
WATERGATE GALLERY, COLLABORATION PAINTING WITH CHRIS “DAZE” ELLIS
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
2011
SHADOW SPACE, “PAPER TRAILS” GROUP SHOW
PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA
SCOPE ART FAIR, CONTRA PROJECT
NEW YORK, NY, USA
SCOPE ART FAIR, CONTRA PROJECT
BASEL, SWITZERLAND
CARMICHAEL GALLERY, “REMIX” GROUP SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
THE BONEYARD PROJECT
TUCSON, AZ, USA
OPERA GALLERY, “THE STREET ART SHOW” GROUP SHOW
LONDON, ENGLAND
FIRESTONE GALLERY “NOSE JOB” GROUP SHOW
HAMPTONS, NY, USA
C.A.V.E GALLERY, “STREET ART SAVED MY LIFE” GROUP SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
THINKSPACE GALLERY, “IMPETUS” GROUP SHOW
TUCSON, ARIZONA, USA
WARRINGTON MUSEUM, “GOSSIP WELL TOLD” GROUP SHOW
WARRINGTON, ENGLAND
UNDERBELLY PROJECT PARIS
PARIS, FRANCE
WYNWOOD WALLS MURAL PROJECT
MIAMI, FL, USA
KNOWN GALLERY, “ACHTUNG!” SOLO SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA USA
PRIMARY PROJECTS, “HERE LIES GEORGES WILDENSTEIN” GROUP SHOW
MIAMI, FL, USA
WYNWOOD WALLS, “POP UP SHOW” GROUP SHOW
MIAMI, FL, USA
2012
LA WEEKLY, MURAL INSTALLATION “LIVING IN THE BOTTLE”
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
COREY HELFORD GALLERY, SCOPE ART FAIR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA
ANDREW FREEDMAN HOME, “THIS SIDE OF PARADISE” curated by
NO LONGER EMPTY
INSTALLATION “REFLECTIONS”
BRONX, NEW YORK, USA
19KAREN GALLERY, “SMALL” GROUP SHOW
MERMAID BEACH, AUSTRALIA
OPERA GALLERY, “STREETS OF THE WORLD” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
JONATHAN LEVINE GALLERY, SCOPE ART FAIR
BASEL, SWITZERLAND
LALA Arts, “PUBLIC WORKS” GROUP SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
NUART FESTIVAL
INSTALLATION ’’SIX FEET UNDER”
STAVANGER, NORWAY
CITY GALLERY OF PRAGUE
“STUCK ON THE CITY” GROUP SHOW
INSTALLATION “EAGLE EYE”
PRAGUE,CZECH REPUBLIC
HOUSTON WALL
INSTALLATION
NEW YORK, NY,USA
2013
JONATHAN LEVINE GALLERY, “LATE CONFESSIONS” SOLO SHOW
How and Nosm (Raoul and Davide Perre) are identical twin brothers known for their large scale graffiti based murals that adorn city walls around the world. The red, black, and white-based imagery is instantly recognizable and commands attention through the impressive size and the intricate detail. Initially the color palette was limited for practicality but instead has become a distinct calling card and formal choice that has allowed these artists to push spray paint to a new level.
Born in Spain, German in heritage, and currently residing in New York, their influence appropriately extends internationally. Whether you visit South America, Europe, Asia, or cities around the U.S. you will be likely to encounter their work. Commissioned and facilitated, they have become sought after artists, an ironic progression, where the outsiders have become insiders and are currently redefining what constitutes graffiti and public art.
In the beginning, the twins first encountered graffiti as young teenagers. Skateboarding and tagging were the influences until the aerosol can was first introduced and the range of colors and options seemed endless. The traditional letterform art of graffiti writing was learned and they earned their stripes painting names on trains together.
The closeness between the brothers is inspiring. They finish one another’s sentences much like they continue their lines on mural walls and work in sync without hesitation. One ends and the other begins, their complicated yet effortless contours twist and turn like a three-dimensional maze. There is a flow present that is part of this process that allows their individuality to merge for a unified statement. Something that seems essential for artists who work on a large scale.
The limited palette and complicated compositions in all their work is visually mesmerizing but once the viewer is over the magnitude of the accomplishment, the activities within the artwork keep you coming back for more. Their stylized characters seem friendly but when looking carefully they are involved in some very dark activities. Alcoholism, betrayal, abuse of power, and other repulsive actions are ongoing. As you peel back one layer, another story is revealed that further complicates the message and meaning. A world that appears very dim and dark yet treated with respect, it’s as though a mirror is being held up to society, a dizzying effect that requires patience and time to unwind.
The aerosol can is paramount in all their public works and is the essential ingredient they use to raise this imagery to new levels. Precise execution and determination is what has driven them. Their style is essentially who they are as artists and people as a grittiness is hidden beneath levels of thoughtful design and bold form.
CHRONOLOGY
2000
GUERNSEY’S, “GRAFFITI AT AUCTION”, GROUP SHOW, PUCK BUILDING
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2001
GOETHE INSTITUTE
MURAL INSTALLATION
LISBON, PORTUGAL
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE, “FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL”, PERMANENT COLLECTION
WASHINGTON, DC, USA
2002
TAXIE GALLERY, (GALLERY d’ART NOMADE), “KOSMOPOLITE” GROUP SHOW
PARIS, FRANCE
KOSMOPOLITE FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE GRAFFITI ET DE STREET ART
PARIS, FRANCE
HOSTOS ART GALLERY, “BARRIOS”, COLLABORATION WITH JOHN “CRASH” MATOS
BRONX, NY, USA
2003
ART LINK INTERNATIONAL, “BARRIOS”, COLLABORATION WITH JOHN “CRASH” MATOS
LAKE WORTH, FL, USA
KAROLYN SHERWOOD GALLERY, “BARRIOS”, COLLABORATION WITH JOHN “CRASH” MATOS
DES MOINES, IOWA, USA
MCCAIG-WELLES GALLERY, “BATTLE GRAPHICS” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2004
JACOB K. JAVITS CENTER, INTERNATIONAL ARTEXPO
NEW YORK, NY, USA
LILLE, EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE, MURAL INSTALLATION
LILLE, FRANCE
TOY TOKYO GALLERY, “TAG THE SYSTEM” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
PAUL RODGERS Gallery/9W, “THE BREAK IN” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES, “TATS CRU” GROUP SHOW
BROOKLYN, NY, USA
BOSTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS, “FUTURE CLASSIC” GROUP SHOW
BOSTON, MA, USA
PHILLIPS DE PURY AND LUXEMBOURG GALLERY, “DOWNTOWN FOR DEMOCRACY” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2005
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MURAL INSTALLATION AND LECTURE
BOSTON, MA, USA
MCCAIG-WELLES GALLERY, “SCION ART INSTALLATION 2”
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2006
FUSE GALLERY “NEW YORK’S OWN” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
THE SHOWROOM NYC, “DECKED OUT” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
THE AURORA GALLERY, “THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT” GROUP SHOW
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, USA
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MURAL INSTALLATION
BOSTON, MA, USA
2007
THE SHOWROOM NYC, “TOKYOPLASTIC” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
2008
BRONX MUSEUM OF THE ARTS
MURAL INSTALLATION
BRONX, NY, USA
LORD & TAYLOR, “ART IN ACTION”
MURAL INSTALLATION
NEW YORK, NY, USA
GRAND SOCIETY GALLERY, “MARKING IT UP” GROUP SHOW
BROOKLYN, NY, USA
2009
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
MURAL INSTALLATION
MILAN, ITALY
EXIHIBITION CENTER (HKCEC)
MURAL INSTALLATION
HONG KONG, CHINA
2010
GOETHE INSTITUTE
MURAL INSTALLATION
QUITO, ECUADOR
UNIVERSIDAD TECHNOLOGICA
MURAL INSTALLATION
SALINAS, ECUADOR
MUSEO DE LA CUIDAD DE MEXICO, “DRAW”
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
212 FIREHOUSE - POP UP INSTALLATION, “LIVING WITH OTHER PEOPLE” GROUP SHOW
BROOKLYN, NY, USA
WATERGATE GALLERY, COLLABORATION PAINTING WITH CHRIS “DAZE” ELLIS
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
2011
SHADOW SPACE, “PAPER TRAILS” GROUP SHOW
PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA
SCOPE ART FAIR, CONTRA PROJECT
NEW YORK, NY, USA
SCOPE ART FAIR, CONTRA PROJECT
BASEL, SWITZERLAND
CARMICHAEL GALLERY, “REMIX” GROUP SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
THE BONEYARD PROJECT
TUCSON, AZ, USA
OPERA GALLERY, “THE STREET ART SHOW” GROUP SHOW
LONDON, ENGLAND
FIRESTONE GALLERY “NOSE JOB” GROUP SHOW
HAMPTONS, NY, USA
C.A.V.E GALLERY, “STREET ART SAVED MY LIFE” GROUP SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
THINKSPACE GALLERY, “IMPETUS” GROUP SHOW
TUCSON, ARIZONA, USA
WARRINGTON MUSEUM, “GOSSIP WELL TOLD” GROUP SHOW
WARRINGTON, ENGLAND
UNDERBELLY PROJECT PARIS
PARIS, FRANCE
WYNWOOD WALLS MURAL PROJECT
MIAMI, FL, USA
KNOWN GALLERY, “ACHTUNG!” SOLO SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA USA
PRIMARY PROJECTS, “HERE LIES GEORGES WILDENSTEIN” GROUP SHOW
MIAMI, FL, USA
WYNWOOD WALLS, “POP UP SHOW” GROUP SHOW
MIAMI, FL, USA
2012
LA WEEKLY, MURAL INSTALLATION “LIVING IN THE BOTTLE”
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
COREY HELFORD GALLERY, SCOPE ART FAIR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA
ANDREW FREEDMAN HOME, “THIS SIDE OF PARADISE” curated by
NO LONGER EMPTY
INSTALLATION “REFLECTIONS”
BRONX, NEW YORK, USA
19KAREN GALLERY, “SMALL” GROUP SHOW
MERMAID BEACH, AUSTRALIA
OPERA GALLERY, “STREETS OF THE WORLD” GROUP SHOW
NEW YORK, NY, USA
JONATHAN LEVINE GALLERY, SCOPE ART FAIR
BASEL, SWITZERLAND
LALA Arts, “PUBLIC WORKS” GROUP SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
NUART FESTIVAL
INSTALLATION ’’SIX FEET UNDER”
STAVANGER, NORWAY
CITY GALLERY OF PRAGUE
“STUCK ON THE CITY” GROUP SHOW
INSTALLATION “EAGLE EYE”
PRAGUE,CZECH REPUBLIC
HOUSTON WALL
INSTALLATION
NEW YORK, NY,USA
2013
JONATHAN LEVINE GALLERY, “LATE CONFESSIONS” SOLO SHOW