Street artist Cibo covers racist graffiti with food murals in Verona

Pier Paolo Spinazzè, known as Cibo, is a Verona-based street artist who has been covering racist and fascist graffiti with food-themed murals for six years. His works replace swastikas, Celtic crosses, and hate speech with images of strawberries, muffins, and pizza. Cibo studied at the Liceo Artistico in Verona and Industrial Design at IUAV in Venice, and has worked in both art and restaurants. He uses his art to combat hatred with beauty and culture, stating, 'Culture and love will always win over these insipid people.' He has faced threats but continues his work. His interventions have sparked controversy with the local administration of San Giovanni Lupatoto, which demanded an advertising tax for a pizza mural near a pizzeria. In protest, Cibo removed some works. He organizes bike tours to show his murals and holds a Christmas auction to fund future projects. Citizens report hate graffiti to him via social media.