Little known fact: penguins are native to the city of Milan.
Well, ok, not real penguins, but urban ones!
The Milanese street artist Pao is famous for spray-painting adorable little blue penguins all over Milan. The dome-shaped cement blocks, used for keeping cars from driving up on the sidewalk (even though Italians find a way up on them anyway), are transformed into something much cuter!
Pao Penguin in Via Tortona, Milan
The penguins have become considered Pao’s “classic” street art examples, at least in my mind, but he also does other characters and forms of art like paintings, sculptures, and graffiti murals.
The courtyard of Wow Spazio Fumetto, Milan
My own lil’ Pao Penguin
I really enjoy seeing Pao’s artwork all over town, and I’ve even picked up a mini penguin replica for my apartment. I think it’s fun and colorful, plus I’m supporting local art!
I’m curious to know which of the 4 Pao creations above, you guys think is the best one. My vote def goes to Penguin! Let me know in the survey here below!
I love Pao works! Funny name too: it means Pinguini A Oltranza (no-limit penguins)!
Haha! Those penguins never know when to quit!
Thanks for your comment!
I love this! The penguin is totally cute but I kinda like the green monster more and Spiderman made me laugh out loud!
I’m totally for the Penguin, though the Super Mario Brothers-esque Mushroom is a close second! Thanks for stopping by!
I love street art like this Garrett!!! Especially when it starts to weather a bit and really belong, if you know what I mean. Can’t go past the original so Penguin got my vote. I will definitely look out for him when I’m next in town.
Glad you’re on board for the penguin!
They are scattered all over Milano, so keep your eyes open!
they look gorgeous…. haven’t been to Milan for a while so didn’t notice this! buon anno and happy blogging
Thanks so much and happy nuovo anno anche a te!