MUNTHE ART MONDAY: FEDERICA CELLA

Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.

Hi! My name is Federica Cella, I’m from Brescia, Italy, and I’m a self-taught artist and customizer. My background is quite different, though — I studied dentistry and worked as a freelance dental professional for years. During the lockdown, I reconnected with my real passion: painting. From that point on, I started customizing clothing, shoes, accessories… and then moved on to canvases, MDF panels — basically anything that could tell a story. I don’t limit myself to any medium or technique: what matters most is the emotion that the artwork communicates.

Federica is wearing the RUBBLE KNIT.

Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?

I’m inspired by artists who break boundaries, who aren’t afraid to get messy — in every sense. I think of Frida Kahlo, for her emotional strength and the courage to show her vulnerability. Or Tracey Emin, for her raw expression and her direct approach to intimate emotions. I also love contemporary artists who work with themes like the body, identity, and customization — including those in the street art and custom scene internationally. For me, it’s not about the name, it’s about the intention behind what they create.

Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?

Being a woman has definitely shaped the way I express myself through art. There's often an expectation that women should be “light,” that we shouldn’t take up too much space, get our hands dirty, or break the rules. But I try to go straight to the point — even literally, considering my background — to say what I feel and do what I want without sugarcoating anything.

What would you like people to notice in your artwork?

I want people to notice authenticity. I’m not interested in making something “perfect” — I want to make something that speaks. Every piece has a story, an emotion, a vulnerability, an intuition. I want people to feel the need I have to communicate without filters, to turn everyday objects into expressive tools, and to understand that there’s no separation between art and life — everything can be a surface for storytelling. I’d love to thank the brand MUNTHE for the beautiful pieces they sent me. I really appreciate their attention to detail and their unique style, which perfectly matches my vision and way of expressing myself through art. It’s always inspiring to collaborate with brands that value individuality and creativity.

Federica is wearing the RUBBLE KNIT and RUPERT PANTS.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts?

One of the biggest challenges is having to constantly justify your work. When you’re a woman, you often get questions like: “But is this just a hobby or a real job?” or “Did you actually make this yourself?” It’s as if external validation is always required. But I’ve learned that strength lies in consistency, in not giving up, and in creating regardless of what others expect.

Team credits:

Artist - Federica Cella https://www.instagram.com/theblondlasagna/ 

Art direction & styling - Nicole Zia https://www.instagram.com/nicoleeezia/

Photography - Federico Trivella https://www.instagram.com/federico.trivella/

Hair & make up Giorgia Baldassarre https://www.instagram.com/giorgii_mua/

Set design - Francesca Arini https://www.instagram.com/arinifrancesca/

Creative Lab & Production -Spaziooo https://www.instagram.com/spaziooo/

Shoes Brands - 21.23 https://www.instagram.com/ventuno.ventitre/