Gianfranco Miksa (1944-2000) was a figurative artist and painter who was part of the Italian National Community in Croatia. He was born in Fiume (Rijeka), a coastal town where he lived his entire life and created all of his works. During his early education, Miksa attended the Italian Gymnasium (high school) and the College of Maritime Studies. Later (1968), he attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome (via Ripetta). Aside from his artistic interests Miksa also pursued a professional career as a graphic designer at the daily newspaper La Voce del Popolo.
In later years, due to being afflicted by the neurodegenerative disease multiple sclerosis, Miksa’s works became more limited in size and scope. Nevertheless, he remained active until his death on January 8, 2000.