Odeith: Mastering Dimensions in the Urban Landscape
The story of Odeith, born Sérgio Odeith, begins in the unassuming streets of Damaia, Portugal, where his passion for street art took root in the mid-1980s. What started as playful signatures and modest doodles in his neighborhood quickly grew into a profound engagement with the graffiti culture, particularly influenced by the vibrant works emerging in Carcavelos during the 1990s. Those larger-than-life murals sparked a deeper connection within Odeith, transforming his hobby into a full-fledged passion. It was a period marked by exploration, where the young artist honed his skills on the streets, always driven by the freedom and thrill of creating art in public spaces.
This formative experience laid the foundation for Odeith’s journey into the broader world of graffiti. His early work, often done illegally along the Sintra railway lines and other urban landscapes in Lisbon, was an act of rebellion but also one of deep personal expression. Odeith recalls the adrenaline of those times—painting quickly, dodging risks, and refining his technique with every new wall. The streets of Lisbon became his open-air classroom, where he not only developed his style but also fostered a strong connection to the local community, especially in tough neighborhoods like Amadora. For Odeith, these experiences weren’t about seeking recognition but rather about engaging with his surroundings and using graffiti as a voice for self-expression.
By the time he was 15, Odeith had left school to dedicate himself entirely to his craft, a decision that may have seemed risky to some but felt completely natural to him. Despite not having formal training, he saw every wall as an opportunity to experiment, improve, and learn from other artists. The streets were his canvas and his teachers, helping him push his skills further. This self-taught journey, while unconventional, gave Odeith the freedom to explore new techniques and discover his unique voice in the world of street art.
Odeith: Pioneering the Somber 3D Movement
The turning point in Odeith’s career came in 2003, when he adopted the name “Odeith,” marking a new phase of artistic exploration. This shift wasn’t merely about changing his pseudonym but symbolized a significant evolution in his style, most notably his development of what he calls the “Somber 3D” technique. Odeith’s fascination with perspective and shadows drove him to explore the possibilities of anamorphic art, where flat surfaces could be transformed into mind-bending illusions that appear to leap off the wall. This passion for depth and dimension naturally progressed into a style that would become his trademark—one that deceives the eye and redefines how viewers interact with urban spaces.
In 2005, Odeith made a bold move, experimenting with 90º corners and incorporating the architecture of his surroundings into his work. This technique brought his art to life in a new way, as his pieces began to transcend the typical confines of a two-dimensional mural. Odeith’s use of shadow and light to create hyper-realistic forms pushed him into the international spotlight, with his work gaining recognition for its dark, yet captivating realism. His ability to turn simple walls into immersive, optical illusions set him apart from other street artists, drawing attention not only from art enthusiasts but also from major brands and cities across the globe.
The subjects of Odeith’s murals often reflect his desire to challenge perceptions, featuring oversized insects and objects painted in hauntingly realistic detail. These surreal elements serve as metaphors for overlooked aspects of life, forcing the viewer to engage with them in ways they wouldn’t typically consider. By placing such enormous depictions in abandoned or forgotten spaces, Odeith brings attention to the beauty that can emerge from decay and neglect. His murals breathe new life into these areas, while also confronting the audience with the powerful juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Bringing Stories to Life Through Public Art
Odeith’s murals are known not just for their technical brilliance but for the stories they convey. Each piece is imbued with a narrative, whether it’s a subtle commentary on social issues or a personal reflection on the artist’s life. These stories, often born from his experiences and observations, are meant to evoke emotion and inspire thought. While some pieces are driven purely by the desire to create visually striking effects, others delve deeper into societal themes, drawing inspiration from current events or the history embedded in the spaces he chooses to transform.
One of the defining features of Odeith’s work is the setting in which it’s created. He is particularly drawn to abandoned buildings and neglected urban spaces, environments that resonate with a sense of history and desolation. Odeith sees these places as blank canvases waiting to be revived through art. His large-scale murals, often depicting creatures that are typically considered insignificant, such as insects, take on an entirely new significance when painted at monumental sizes in these forgotten corners of the city. It’s an artistic statement that challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with both the natural world and the man-made environment.
Beyond the aesthetics, Odeith’s work is also a response to the world around him. As an artist deeply connected to his roots in Lisbon, he channels the energy of the city into his creations, while also drawing from the various places his art has taken him. Whether working in cities across Europe or in the U.S., each location offers a new source of inspiration, influencing both the style and substance of his murals. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in particular, left a lasting impact on him, as he found a rawness and energy there that mirrored his own approach to art.
Odeith: From Underground Graffiti to Global Recognition
As Odeith’s art gained recognition, he transitioned from the underground world of illegal street art to larger commercial projects, collaborating with global brands like Coca-Cola, Samsung, and Sport Lisboa e Benfica. These collaborations introduced new challenges, as Odeith had to balance his artistic vision with the needs and expectations of his clients. However, he remains steadfast in maintaining his integrity as an artist, ensuring that each project—whether personal or commercial—reflects his unique style and creative voice. His ability to adapt while preserving the essence of his work has earned him respect not only in the street art community but also in the corporate world.
Despite the commercial success, Odeith’s heart remains in public art, where he feels most connected to his roots. Moving to London after closing his tattoo shop in 2008 gave him the opportunity to fully dedicate himself to his murals. The city’s dynamic street art culture exposed him to new techniques and pushed him to explore different approaches to his craft. Though he eventually returned to Lisbon, his time in London significantly shaped the direction of his work, allowing him to experiment and grow as an artist in ways he hadn’t before.
Throughout his career, Odeith has stayed grounded in the belief that art should provoke a response, whether it’s wonder, curiosity, or discomfort. His journey from the streets of Lisbon to international acclaim is a testament to his persistence and dedication to his craft. For Odeith, the future holds endless possibilities, as he continues to push the boundaries of what street art can achieve, always seeking new ways to surprise and inspire those who encounter his work.
