Manuel Di Rita, widely known by his artistic moniker <em>Peeta</em>, is a renowned Italian graffiti artist and sculptor based in Venice. Since embarking on his artistic journey in 1993, Peeta has developed a distinctive style that fuses traditional graffiti lettering with three-dimensional forms. His works, which range from large-scale murals to sculptures, engage in a dynamic interplay between geometric shapes and the surrounding architectural or environmental context.
Peeta’s murals create optical illusions through <em>anamorphism</em>, a technique where forms are distorted in a way that reveals their true structure when viewed from specific angles. His compositions often appear to "interrupt" familiar settings, providing viewers with a new perception of space and reality. Through his art, Peeta seeks to challenge preconceptions, encouraging audiences to reconsider their surroundings through the use of visual tricks and perspective shifts.
Beyond murals, Peeta’s creative practice extends to sculpture. He works in materials such as PVC, fiberglass, and bronze, incorporating professional 3D design software to craft visually arresting sculptures that reflect the same principles of depth and geometry found in his murals. Over the years, Peeta has participated in numerous festivals and exhibitions globally, and he is a member of several prestigious graffiti crews, including the EAD crew (Padova), FX, and RWK crews (New York City).
His sculptures are known for their meticulous craftsmanship, using techniques such as investment casting for bronze pieces and assembling fiberglass shells from handmade molds, creating works that are as structurally complex as his two-dimensional creations. Through both mediums, Peeta continues to push the boundaries of visual perception and public art.
