David Diavù Vecchiato's 'Identity' Mural in Perugia: An Interview on Art, AI, and Public Space

Italian artist David 'Diavù' Vecchiato (Rome, 1970) has completed a monumental mural titled 'Identity' on a building in the Fontivegge district of Perugia, Italy. The work, which took over a month to create, depicts two young faces being assembled like a puzzle by giant hands, which are the artist's own. The title was chosen by local students through a referendum from a shortlist proposed by the artist. Vecchiato spent time in the neighborhood, observing daily life, listening to music, and studying the original architectural drawings by Aldo Rossi for the area. He used artificial intelligence to generate the faces and Photoshop for montage, raising questions about the 'soul' of AI-generated figures. The artist discussed his views on street art, public space, and identity, emphasizing that symbols are powerful tools for reclaiming space. He also reflected on the potential gentrification risks of public art. The mural is part of a broader context of urban art in Perugia, including previous projects like Comma Art City Project and The London Police. The interview was conducted by Simonetta Palmucci for Artribune.