Imagine walking down a busy city street, surrounded by tall buildings, when suddenly you spot something magical—a giant figure, playfully interacting with the cityscape. These larger-than-life murals, are the work of Millo, an Italian street artist known for transforming urban spaces into dreamlike wonderlands.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Millo, learning about his background, artistic style, and where you can find his incredible murals around the world.
Image: "No Hesitation" - Pistoia, Italy. (disegnarecon.univaq.it)Who is Millo?
Francesco Camillo Giorgino, better known as Millo, was born in Mesagne, a small city in the province of Brindisi, Italy in 1979. He attended a scientific high school in Mesagne before moving to Pescara, where he graduated in architecture in 2007.
While studying architecture, Millo found himself continually drawn to drawing and painting, passions that had provided him with a happy refuge since childhood. Over time, this interest became more compelling, leading him to explore artistic avenues beyond traditional architectural practice.
The transition from architecture to street art was not premeditated for Millo. He began by creating art on materials other than walls, but upon completing his first mural, he experienced an incredible feeling that solidified his path. This experience revealed to him the profound impact of large-scale public art, prompting him to focus more on painting and gradually reducing his involvement in architectural projects.
Millo's architectural background significantly influences his artistic vision. His studies helped him focus on analysing the relationship between humans and architecture, a theme that is evident in his murals, which often feature friendly inhabitants exploring their urban settings.
“I cannot deny that my architectural studies have influenced my compositions. The habitat in which my characters play, can be considered as a critique on the development of the contemporary cities and at the same time also a critique to the academic world of architecture.” Millo quoted in disegnarecon.univaq.it
This profound connection to art and the desire to express himself beyond the confines of architecture led Millo to become the renowned street artist he is today, transforming urban landscapes with his large-scale murals.
Image: "Coração cheio" - Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (millo.biz)
What Makes Millo’s Art Unique?
Millo’s murals have several signature features that make them instantly recognisable:
- Black-and-White with a Splash of Colour
His murals are mostly monochrome, drawn in a doodle-like style with bold black outlines. However, he often adds a single pop of colour, such as a red heart, a blue cloud, a clothing item or a yellow sun.
- Giant, Friendly Characters
His artwork often features enormous human-like figures interacting with cityscapes. These figures sometimes peek out of windows, climb buildings, or interact with the environment in creative ways.
- Themes of Exploration & Emotions
Millo’s murals explore human emotions, childhood wonder, and daily life. His work makes cities feel more alive, playful, and full of possibilities.
- Architectural Influence
Thanks to his background in architecture, Millo often incorporates buildings, streets, and other elements of city design directly into his work.
Millo himself has said in his interview with Street Art News:
"Painting for me was and still is a sort of meditation; it makes me feel at peace and relaxed." "I always have the feeling that most of the architects focus only on one main project in their carrier, without relating to the surroundings, and by doing so most of the times, it seems to me that I'm only looking at roses in a desert of buildings without soul."
Image: "Your Sky" - Aielli, Italy. (millo.biz)Where to Find Millo’s Art Around the World
Millo has painted in over 30 countries, turning city walls into giant canvases. Here are some of his most famous murals and where you can find them. Head over to Google Maps and type in the coordinates and then search around:
Your Sky in Aielli, Italy (coordinates: 42.08151, 13.59161)
Article 3 in Forli, Italy (coordinates: 44.22348, 12.04347)
The Sound of the Waves in Sant’Antioco, Italy (coordinates: 39.05986, 8.44757)
Although It’s Small, It’s Precious in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand (coordinates: -37.64068, 176.18529)
A Moment in Leeuwarden, Netherlands (coordinates: 53.19101, 5.80311)
From Her to Eternity in Perth, Australia (coordinates: -32.00603, 115.89442)
Image: "Article 3" - Forli, Italy. (millo.biz)Millo’s Impact on Urban Art
Millo's work brings joy to people worldwide by making art accessible to everyone. He often says that his goal is to make people pause, smile, and feel connected to their surroundings.
Before Millo creates a mural, he will first research the city or neighbourhood it is being painted in, as to have a deeper connection with its surroundings.
What makes his murals extra special is that they interact with the buildings they are painted on. Instead of just being on a wall, Millo's characters live within the city, blending into their environments and creating a sense of magic.
If you're ever near one of Millo’s murals, take a moment to look closely—you might find hidden details that tell a story within the artwork!
Image: "From Her to Eternity" - Perth, Australia. (millo.biz)🔹 Visit Millo’s Website here: You can find a map of all his murals and plan your own street art adventure!
🔹 Follow Millo on Instagram: millo for behind-the-scenes updates and new artworks.
Millo’s artwork is more than just street art—it’s a way of reimagining our cities and finding joy in unexpected places. His murals remind us to be curious, to dream big, and to see the world through a creative lens. So, next time you're in a city with a Millo mural, take a moment to appreciate the giant characters and worlds he creates.
Image: "Work in Progress" - Miami, USA. (millo.biz)Carry a Millo-Inspired Backpack With You!
If you love Millo’s playful and creative style, you’ll love our exclusive Millo-inspired The Geo Kid Miami backpack! This design is inspired by his famous "Work in Progress" mural in Miami and captures his bold black-and-white aesthetic with a splash of colour. You will find Geo tinkering on the engine.
🎒 Features of the Backpack:
✔ Available in Child, Youth, and Adult sizes
✔ Durable and lightweight for everyday adventures
✔ Designed for young travellers and street art lovers
✔ Includes latitude and longitude coordinates of Millo's Miami mural so that you can always explore his original work.
👉 Get yours today!