Before I came to Rio de Janeiro I thought that the city would be full of street art. After I arrived, I thought to myself “Where is it all?” I asked around and many of the locals explained that it is still a relatively new concept here. While Sao Paolo is packed to the gills with both tagging and incredible street art, it has yet to fully catch on here in Rio. In a way it’s a great thing… there is so much potential… so much to paint.

I ride by this piece by HOW and NOSM every day on my way to the harbor to paint boats.

Despite there being much less than I expected, there is still a handful of pretty bonkers street art around the city of Rio. I recognized right away the work of HOW and NOSM, street artist twins from Spain. I’ve seen their work throughout Brooklyn, NY and mainly right on my block in the East Village of Manhattan. They are amazing. I admire their smooth, flowing, lines and curves, their patterns, and simple color palate of black, white and red. Their work is packed with meaning and is found everywhere here in Rio including the favelas. Seeing their art gives me this strangely comforting feeling like I’m back home on 2nd street in Manhattan ~only with much nicer weather.

HOW and NOSM on my block in the East Village of Manhattan. (2nd st./Ave A)

More HOW and NOSM in Rio de Janeiro.