Chiara Ceddia

Year of birth: 1987.
Where do you live: Milan, Italy.
Your education: Bachelor’s degree in Modern Literature and Arts.
Describe your art in three words: Feminine, colorful, bold.
Your discipline: Hand drawing and digital coloring.
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How has growing up in Varese and your experiences in Turin and Milan shaped your artistic journey?

My artistic journey began in Varese when I was just a child, but it was somewhat understated at first, often perceived as a hobby or just a talent for drawing. It was a passion I nurtured privately, shaping my personality and the woman I’ve become today, even though I couldn’t express it as fully as I would have liked, given the small-town, somewhat provincial context. However, it was in Turin that my style and the subjects of my work truly took shape. There, I discovered a cosmopolitan environment open to innovation and art for art’s sake, free from ulterior motives. I also met people who became my closest friends and muses, encouraging me to take a leap of faith in my art. Later, Milan gave me the final push to share my work with the world, first through social media and eventually by participating in calls for artists and exhibitions. That said, it was Turin that hosted my first solo exhibition, a truly unique and fulfilling milestone in my career.

Comics seem to have deeply influenced your style. Could you elaborate on how this passion is reflected in your work?

I’ve loved comics from a very young age. When I first learned to read at the age of three, my first encounter with storytelling was through a comic strip—specifically a vignette of Lupo Alberto, the beloved character created by the Italian cartoonist Silver. During my teenage years, I not only read comics avidly but also created my own comic adventures, channeling my imagination onto paper. Among my favorite works, I must highlight Strangers in Paradise by Terry Moore, which had a profound impact on me due to its complex, multifaceted female protagonists, and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, whose autobiographical approach I greatly admired.

The aesthetics of comics, particularly in portraying female figures, have been a major source of inspiration for me. This influence is evident in my use of bold, hand-drawn outlines paired with vibrant, pop-inspired digital coloring. Pop art has also played a significant role in shaping my style, especially through Roy Lichtenstein and his use of comic and cartoon characters in his works. Additionally, DC Comics have been another strong influence, not only for their artistic style but also for their complex female characters like Thorn or Raven, whose layered personalities continue to inspire me.

Chiara Ceddia | The Empress

Your collaborations with “Imperfetta Project” emphasize the uniqueness of women. What inspires you most about femininity in your art?

I believe that femininity, in all its forms, is unique and unrepeatable. Centuries—if not millennia—of patriarchy have led us to view the feminine as a weakness or something to be subjected to the desires and approval of others. In reality, the feminine exists within all of us, regardless of gender, and is one of the most beautiful and powerful aspects we possess. Through Imperfetta Project, I began illustrating women who are unique both inside and out, focusing on portraits and female faces. The intent is to send a message to the viewer: after centuries of reducing women to their bodies, it’s time to look them in the eyes—directly and unapologetically.

Femininity embodies a kind of strength rooted in resilience, a power not necessarily physical but one that has long been the glue of countless social bonds. The solidarity and connections that arise among women, biological or not, are a remarkable example of this strength. That’s what I strive to convey in my work: solidarity. I want my muses to feel seen, heard, and fully acknowledged in all their radiance and power.

“Sentences of Gazes” and “Echoes of Heritage” explore significant female figures. How do you select the women and themes you wish to portray in your exhibitions?

Whenever I create a portrait, I always seek a personal connection with the subject. The person must, in some way, have been part of my life and left a meaningful imprint. In both exhibitions, I included portraits of notable figures who inspired me and imparted valuable lessons, as well as portraits of people dear to me—friends, family members, colleagues. These are individuals who have profoundly influenced me and left a lasting impression.

This will always be a fundamental criterion for selecting the subjects of my works: they cannot be strangers to me. They must have had a relationship with me, however brief or profound, and contributed something that I’ve internalized and treasure.

Chiara Ceddia | Ondina

Your work “The Empress” was featured in “Art Now.” What does this piece mean to you, and how does it align with your artistic vision?

The Empress is a deeply meaningful piece to me for many reasons. On one hand, it portrays one of my best friends, Malvina, in the guise of the Empress tarot card—a role that reflects many of her positive qualities. On the other hand, it was the work that marked my decision to fully embrace my artistic journey and present myself to a wider audience. It served as my introduction to greater media exposure, competitions, and exhibitions. It’s a piece I love and will always cherish, one to which I’ll forever be grateful.

Not only does The Empress align with my artistic vision, but I would even say it serves as a manifesto for it. It represents the portrait of a strong woman, serene yet commanding, with the features of someone I deeply care for and consider one of the most beautiful people in the world. It weaves together my passion for tarot—a theme close to my heart—with their profound symbolism and unique aesthetic.

Can you share your experience of exhibiting “The Stars” internationally, including the reception it received in Paris and other cities?

Taking “The Stars” to Paris was a dream come true. My first international exhibition took place at Galerie Thuillier in Paris as part of a collective show. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with and stay in touch with many talented contemporary artists who continue to inspire me.

Experiencing Paris’s vibrant art scene firsthand allowed me to immerse myself in an environment that embraces novelty with enthusiasm and openness, rather than suspicion or resistance. This welcoming atmosphere was both refreshing and motivating. I hope to always encounter spaces like this, even in Italy, though I recognize it can be more challenging. My aspiration is to be part of a wave of emerging talent that gains recognition both within their own country and internationally.

“Ondina” merges mythology and personal narrative. How do you balance these elements to create a connection between your audience and the subject?

What I strive for in my works is that, in one way or another, they tell a story to the viewer. Each story is unique, and while the starting point may be a mythological figure, a narrative, or an autobiographical element, their fusion creates an entirely new story—one with distinct features but also aspects that shift depending on the perception of each viewer.

The key to balancing these elements and fostering this connection is the gaze. It is always direct, facing the audience, and everything stems from there. It’s a gaze that cannot be avoided and, in some way, always elicits a response.