Portuguese artist and illustrator Rita Gomes (aka Wasted Rita), makes use of a variety of mediums, including sculpting, installation making, painting, drawing, and writing. Known for her candid observation, her unique voice and poetic critique on human behavior and contemporary culture can be found throughout her work. A self-proclaimed agent provocateur, her work explores her love-hate relationship with life and the surrounding world, making for a comic-tragic effect.
“The name Wasted Rita came up at a time of my life when I realized all the potential and talent I’ve been wasting ’till then,” she relayed in an interview with Behind Punk. “I was also probably, listening to Black Flag. But, no, it has nothing to do with being drunk all the time, I’m sorry. It’s about commitment, hard work and trying to grow as an artist every day,” she notes.
A natural-born creative, she remembers drawing ever since she was little. “It was always my favorite hobby, ever since I can remember,” says Gomes. “I used to spend my time drawing alone while other kids were playing and having fun. Yep, natural-born weirdo.” Her love for punk came later, when she was 12 or 13. But it wasn’t until much later, when she entered Porto’s School of Fine Arts to study Graphic Design, that she took her then hobby more seriously.
Since 2011, Gomes has been presenting her work in a variety of contexts, including solo and group exhibitions in galleries, institutions, and art events in various countries. But you can also follow her work online via Instagram.
