With a plethora of work in their back catalogue in Phoenix, Ariz., a number of exhibitions in New York City over the years, and auctioning off work to a curator in China, it was easy for the Fortoul brothers to decide where they would do their next large-scale project: home.
Gabriel and Isaac Fortoul, who grew up in Union City, are currently finishing a large 12-panel mural on the side of the former Union City Department of Public Works building on 29th Street between Bergenline and New York avenues.
“We were inspired by the colors, sounds and vibrant people of the Latin American community,” said Gabriel, 39, who joked that he’s collaborated with his brother Isaac, 36, since they were toddlers.
The mural, which has been in the works since last month, consists of a series of panels, each containing a separate image, such as a boy appearing to shoot a fireball out of his hand, a trio of hounds, a bride and a daughter atop her father’s shoulders.
“My favorite part [of the project] is the interaction with the community,” said Gabriel. “I think as an artist you work in a studio and your friends will see what you’re working on and you post it online. But the greatest feeling is to get feedback from the public, like somebody you don’t know telling you what they think the mural means.”
“My favorite part (of the project) is the interaction with the community.” – Gabriel Fortoul
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A block party will be held at the mural with Mayor Brian P. Stack on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.to celebrate the art piece.
Bringing it home
After they’d done a mural of a man towering over a city landscape in Downtown Jersey City in 2012, the brothers reached out to Union City Commissioner of Public Affairs Lucio Fernandez, and got the green light to begin the 29th Street mural earlier this year.
The artists, who pencil sketch each panel prior to going over it with acrylic paint, considered a number of ideas for the mural, including the twelve astrological signs, and ultimately settled for a series of pieces that draw from their hometown with themes of family, spirituality, and nature.
With three murals remaining, the brother’s would not reveal what the final panels would consist of.
“People ask us all the time, and we say ‘come back and find out,’” said Gabriel, laughing. “Ultimately it will lead to a final piece which will tie everything together.”
To learn more about “40owls,” including their clothing line and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.40owls.com. Anyone posting photos of the mural on social media is encouraged to #UCmurals and #40owls.