Based in The Netherlands, Milla Novo has utilised AI imaging software in the creation of her new carpet designs, alongside woven wall-hangings inspired by traditional Mapuche weaving techniques.
Milla Novo has recently launched the Bombo Collection, a series of rugs created using AI imaging software. Photography: Novo Art
Words by Roddy Clarke
Coming across the work of Milla Novo at this year’s Edit Napoli, I felt immediately drawn to the bold use of colour and the cross-section between heritage craft and modern technology. The designer’s most recent collection is Bombo, a series of tufted wool carpets that exude a Seventies style but have been generated utilising AI imaging software. Stating how she stands at the crossroads of fear and opportunity when it comes to the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, Milla decided to embrace this wave of innovation a few years ago. “I started to play with AI when I was trading NFTs and I noticed collections that were AI created or generated,” she explains. “I started to play with Midjourney on Discord, and it led from there, leading me to generate wall tapestries and carpets.”
Now based in the Netherlands, Milla draws on her indigenous South American heritage within her design process. Photography: Novo Art
Resulting in the Bombo collection, the artist drew on the expertise and experience of Dutch outfit The Wool Studio. Through advanced tufting techniques carried out by automated robots, the digital designs are then transformed into physical works of art. With her previous work drawing from heritage craft techniques, Milla understands the importance of preserving craft skills in their purest traditional form. “However,” she says, “integrating technology can save time and open up more creative possibilities for artists.”
The Augusto Collection by Milla Novo includes this decorative wall-hanging, handwoven by the artist. Photography: Novo Art
While coming to craft as a career later in life after 22 years working on airlines, Milla reveals how her connection to it stems back to her childhood in South America. “My mother would sit me and my sisters down and teach us different crafts,” she says. “Craft is deeply woven into the culture in South America with many craft markets happening all year round. For fun, I’d sell bracelets at these markets with one of my sisters.” Forced to take a break from her flying career after a period of exhaustion and burnout, Milla reconnected with her craft where her work become more expansive before evolving into wall hangings. “One day I posted a wall hanging on social media and before I knew it, I had my first project for a restaurant in Amsterdam. I soon realised that my craft, especially the wall hangings, sparked emotional reactions in others.”
Milla is reinventing macrame style wall-hangings by experimenting with scale and developing a unique collection of metallic ropes. Photography: Novo Art
With the wall-hangings designed and handcrafted in the artist’s Amsterdam studio, Milla draws on her Chilean roots and the work of the indigenous Mapuche people. Her mother still plays an active role in the Mapuche community, practicing traditional weaving techniques and has introduced Milla to the patterns and symbols that have been used for centuries. Now incorporated into her works of art, it is beautifully connecting the artists Mapuche heritage with a global audience. Displayed in homes and interiors across the world, Milla is also helping to reinvent the image of ‘macramé’ wall-hangings by working on a larger scale and drawing on her personal connection to the craft. “Every project is more than just a product,” she comments. “It is my meditation. I treasure it and protect how I create very strongly.”
Milla’s work is finding its place within a range of interior styles, both classic and contemporary. Photography: Novo Art
With the recent launch of the Bombo collection showcasing Milla’s desire to experiment with other categories and products, she states she follows her gut when creating. “I stay focused on what I want to create and what I think is beautiful,” she says while also reflecting on the response she has had to her work. “There are no words for the positive responses I receive. Because my wall-hangings are immensely personal, I can only be humble about every positive feedback.”
With many upcoming projects already in place, you can stay up to date with the artist’s developments here.
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