No money. No job. No dreams. No goal. No problems

Wasted Rita is known in the art world for direct, provocative and simultaneously humorous pieces. The use of text-based art is also a characteristic of her work, which she calls ‘pseudo poetry’. The artist has described her artworks and projects as being inspired by ordinary life, pop and punk culture, and the internet. In this sense, the art becomes a medium through which the artist processes her experiences. At times, this process makes the artwork also appear to contain a form of social commentary. This is certainly true for this piece, which seems critical, but it is up to the viewer to decide exactly what the piece is critical of. Although the artist has not explained the piece further, based on the economy-focused text in the piece, it is likely that it concerns the recession. However, the artist has also spoken about the lack of support for artists in Portugal and how she finds it necessary to look beyond the country’s borders to be able to live off of her art alone. Considering this, the piece may also be about the troubles that come with life as an artist rather than about the difficulties of life during the Great Recession. Wasted Rita navigates these complex themes, providing a lens through which audiences can insert themselves into her work. Beyond specific narratives, her art resonates on a universal level, inviting viewers to insert their own experiences into and interpret the art on their own terms. It also reacts to and reflects a moment in recent European history.