'Pomaretto' Pepe Gaka x Daler-Rowney System3 Fluid

Perched in the Italian Alps, just eight kilometres from my hometown, lies Pomaretto – a small village with a remarkable sense of identity. With around 930 residents, Pomaretto may appear modest in size, yet it carries a deep cultural heartbeat shaped by long-standing traditions, community spirit, and a landscape that defines daily life. One of its most distinctive features is the Ramiè: a mountain vine cultivated for centuries using ancient grape varieties. The wine is produced on terraced slopes that climb to extraordinary altitudes, in some cases close to 900 metres above sea level, thanks to a rare micro-climate that enables vineyards to thrive where few others could.

My connection to the Ramiè runs deeper than admiration. My brother and sister own a small vineyard in the area, one of just four or five independent producers who each craft between 1,000 and 2,000 bottles a year. These are truly small-scale operations, rooted in dedication, tradition, and an unwavering respect for the land. When the opportunity arose to create a public artwork for one of Pomaretto’s busiest squares, choosing a theme was simple: the harvest.

The mural focuses on a young woman gathering grapes beneath the Alpine sun, surrounded by stylised botanical forms. The design blends two visual languages – vibrant, abstract shapes representing the thriving vines, and a more naturalistic portrayal of the harvester herself. This contrast mirrors the character of Pomaretto: firmly grounded in tradition, yet lively, colourful, and forward-looking.

Covering around 300 square metres, the mural was a five-week undertaking. Beyond its scale, what made the project meaningful was the chance to create a visual tribute to a place that continues to shape my life. The artwork stands not only as a celebration of the Ramiè and the people who cultivate it, but also as a marker of pride for a village that remains small in size yet rich in story.

By Peke Gaka.