Federico Massa aka "Iena Cruz", is a Brooklyn based artist from Milan Italy. Globally recognized large scale Mural Artist, highly regarded for his signature mural designs, commissioned to him for his unique style of drawing and painting, using untraditional and unusual combinations of media and technology to express a message on preservation and social-environmental justice issues like climate change.
Mr. Federico Massa’s area of expertise is a long journey of enormous study, effort and commitment to truth and excellence of his art as an Italian artist and designer. A graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera in Milan, Mr. Massa studied set design and fine arts, learning and exploring innovative techniques.
Federico Massa is one such avant-garde artist who paints over murals, revives buildings and brings life and soul to decaying but otherwise historic buildings and public places. Mr. Massa is a well known mural artist whose art has social meaning and is offered to serve everyone who passes by and sees it. In the streets of Brooklyn’s rapidly changing Bushwick and Williamsburg neighborhoods, the public can see many of the large scale, colorful, technically layered murals that Massa is known for internationally. Animals and nature are often featured and represent his strong beliefs in conservation.
As one of the handful mural artists in the world he has been invited and selected to create public murals as well live painting or to present his art at some of the most respected Art Fairs, Festivals and Venues who seek after his way of seeing reality and presenting his visions in art form. Mass’s Art has profound social and philosophical meaning that serves all who are touched by his images of spiritual renaissance and oneness with nature. Each one of his art pieces is an offering for dialogue and experience of the higher self of the viewer.
He has created countless works of art of major significance as a mural artist and as a street artist, in which he has made a name for himself. His works appear on large-scale murals, mix canvases, sculpture as well on other unique custom objects, including but not limited to ceramic, marble mosaic, lamp design, carpets and textile, produced with prestigious, and ethical source factory, in between Italy, US, India and Nepal.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

As Iena Cruz, my art bridges nature and the urban landscape, crafting vivid narratives that explore the balance between human ambition and the world around us. Born in Milan in 1981, I was shaped by the raw energy of graffiti and skate culture in the late ’90s, which instilled a love for spontaneity and subversion. Moving to New York in 2010 transformed my work, allowing me to merge traditional techniques with contemporary materials and large-scale compositions.
My signature style blends hyper-realistic imagery with surreal elements, often featuring bold colors, intricate details, and layered symbolism. Animals, architecture, and abstract patterns frequently intertwine in my pieces, creating striking visual stories open to multiple interpretations. Over time, I have evolved my approach, experimenting with different mediums and techniques to push my artistic boundaries.
Collaboration has always been key to my practice, whether working with organizations, fellow artists, or local communities. My recent exploration into portraiture and smaller-scale works has allowed me to focus on personal narratives, capturing emotion and identity within my compositions. By blending real and imagined elements, I aim to create art that resonates beyond aesthetics, sparking curiosity and reflection in those who experience it.