The mural “Respiro” by Gianluca Pattirecently inaugurated at the Citadel of the Archives of Milanrepresents a significant innovation in public art and a step forward in environmental awareness. This work of approximately four square meters does not simply decorate a building, but carries out a active environmental function thanks to the use of photocatalytic nanotechnological paintsdeveloped by the Reair company.
These paints are capable of break down pollutants present in the air, breaking down harmful substances in a similar way to five trees planted. The artist’s objective, in addition to the aesthetic aspect, is to stimulate reflection on the climate crisis and air quality, especially in an urban context like Milan, one of the most polluted Italian cities.
The mural thus becomes a real one awareness posterinviting citizens and institutions to become aware of the importance of interventions that combine art and sustainability. Patti, through color and material, symbolically recalls the need for return to living outdoors and breathing clean airhighlighting how art can also contribute to positive change.
The wall as a living and dynamic element, not as a barrier
The work takes inspiration from the artist’s childhood memories, evoking images of running in the meadows and moments of joy in contact with nature. The bright strokes of colour they recall the freedom and energy that can be found in green spacescontrasting these images with the growing overbuilding of modern cities.
With the choice to create a mural that “breathes”, Patti transforms the wall into a living and dynamic elementovercoming its static role as a barrier. The initiative is part of a broader trend that sees more and more urban works of art becoming catalysts for social and ecological messages.
It is no coincidence that Milan is already the scene of numerous murals that they tell collective and personal stories like the “Mural of Rights” which celebrates the 200 people who made the history of our country (and not only) from the point of view of human and civil rights.
The collaboration between local administration and citizens represents a model of shared commitment for improve the quality of urban lifemaking art an active means to address environmental challenges.
The “Respiro” project demonstrates how contemporary art can be used not only to beautify urban spaces, but also to contribute in a tangible way to the fight against pollution. Already in 2021 we told you, for example, about the mural Too Good To Go by Elena Zecchin which eats smog and makes us reflect on food waste, also located in Milan.
