Artist Research - Peter Devito

 

Peter DeVito

Peter DeVito is an American (22 yr. old)  photographer/illustrator who is based in New York. He graduated from the Fashion Insititute of Technology with a BFA in 2019 and is commonly known for his portrait photography and inclusivity of all different models that range from a variation of ethnic backgrounds, skin colour and conditions.  His work has been featured in top magazines such as: VOGUE Netherlands, Elle, Harper's Bazaar Espana, Marie Claire UK etc. 

DeVito uses his camera to advocate for body positivity and LGBTQ+ rights. This helps shine a light on to other societal/political problems by including interviews with the subjects of his images. He developed his love for photography in 2013 while taking a pre-college program at the University Cooper Union where he learned the basics such as developing pictures in the dark. His focus was the surroundings of New York and his everyday life. "...I started to realize that I could use art to talk about more important things..." - Peter D. As he got older, he started to observe the world differently by new knowledge and the effects of social/political issues in this generation. 

 

Peter's work has been successful due to him touching on many issues that effect people's daily lives. "With my work, I'm trying to show people how there are all different types of people out there and that everyone deserves to be represented"- Peter D. His work influences me greatly, as it combines art and the beauty of humans and their 'flaws' such as: acne, hyperpigmentation, skin diseases and weight. His photography highlights the person's unique features and in a way you don't focus on the flaws that are on display, this shows that there is more to a person than their outward appearance. I love the stickers that cover the models faces with little quotes of what has been said to them, or what they want to say to the audience.

"We're now seeing a broader range of backgrounds, skin colours, and body types represented in the media" - Kaleigh Fasanella (Allure.com) . His  work provides a great way to spread knowledge and build a tolerance to normal people in the fashion world. However, DeVito's concern was that people would take it as a trend that can be used for other companies gains. Nonetheless, he went ahead.

The pictures are completely positively blatant giving no room for misunderstandings. And that's the power of his  Acne normalization (2017-) series. As for his illustrations, he likes to use mixed media and each painting/drawing has a different style varying from pencils, paints and digital work. His colour palette consists of monochrome colours and vibrant tertiary ones depending on the feel and topic of the artwork. He clearly expresses his art through emotions rather than having a specific style he sticks to.

Overall, I appreciate the high quality of his work and the given sense of morality into these series ad campaigns. His editorial work is exceptional and I can only expect better things to come! Even though his work is mostly photography, I can definitely take away great skills such as interviews and how to put a message through whether is blatant or subtle.  It also fits with my theme of non-conformity and trends. 

PETER DEVITO. 2020. Home - PETER DEVITO. [online] Available at: <https://www.peterdevito.com/beauty#7> [Accessed 17 December 2020].

PETER DEVITO. 2020. About - PETER DEVITO. [online] Available at: <https://www.peterdevito.com/about> [Accessed 17 December 2020].

PETER DEVITO. 2020. Illustrations - PETER DEVITO. [online] Available at: <https://www.peterdevito.com/illustrations#0> [Accessed 17 December 2020].

Dama, K., 2020. Peter Devito: Activism, Photography And Rebellion — DAMA MAGAZINE. [online] DAMA MAGAZINE. Available at: <https://www.damamagazine.com/all-posts/peter-devito-profile> [Accessed 17 December 2020].

Fasanella, K., 2020. This Powerful Portrait Series Proves Body Positivity Isn’T Simply A Trend. [online] Allure. Available at: <https://www.allure.com/story/more-than-a-trend-portrait-series-peter-devito-khrystyana> [Accessed 17 December 2020].