Italian graffiti artist’s mural unveiled at University of Glasgow

A public mural by Italian graffiti artist Peeta has been unveiled at the University of Glasgow.

The new artwork, supported by SWG3, is the result of a competition which invited artists from all over the globe to submit their own concepts.

The latest work is a Scottish first for the internationally-celebrated street artist and features in the University of Glasgow’s James McCune Smith Learning Hub, their new transformational educational facility at the heart of the historic campus.

The university’s Professor Frank N. Coton said: “From the very beginning, we set out to create an intellectually stimulating environment within the James McCune Smith Learning Hub that would inspire and support the development of the next generation of great thinkers.

“The mural, located close to the main entrance to the building, was carefully chosen to integrate with the building design while overtly challenging perception and providing a stimulus for discussion and reflection. It is another reason to come and experience the great atmosphere the building provides.”

Peeta, from Venice, started experimenting with graffiti when he was 13.

It led him to explore the potential of sculptural lettering and anamorphism, both in painting and in sculpture.

Peeta spent six very intense days working across the five storey building strapped onto a spider lift to deliver the incredible piece.

The area where the mural is located can be viewed from multiple levels within the building, with each level giving a different perspective.

Peeta said: “Something that’s really significant in my work is the 3D aspect. I was influenced by a lot of 3D graffiti in Germany and artists like DAIM, for example, which translates onto my larger murals.

“Using the structure of the building as a frame, combined with my own knowledge of graffiti and computer design, I can create these large, seemingly 3D structures.

“I was honoured to have been chosen to install a mural on the new building which, hopefully, will make it an even more dynamic and innovative space for the students who use it.”

Marianne Vosloo, Arts Programmer for SWG3, said: “This collaboration is a huge nod to the art of graffiti and its place within 21st century modern art. Having an installation within a Top 100 university is a remarkable and significant achievement in terms of the public perception of graffiti as an art form.

“When we first started discussing the project with Peeta, the building was in the construction phase. Peeta incorporated a colour palette of blues and greens that he prefers to work with due to how the pigmentation and the colours react with the environment that surrounds the mural.

“The digital design, which was transferred onto the large-scale wall with great precision, creates a sculptural three-dimensional illusion that interacts with the beautiful architectural elements and design of the building.”