Originally published in June 2023. Republished on The Poster Chronicles after RvnTravel.com went offline, with kind permission from interviewer Simone L.
We’re delighted to bring this conversation back to life — not only because it marked an important moment in Alecse’s artistic journey, but also because it offers an intimate look at what shaped his eye, his travels, and his signature vintage-inspired style.
Interview with Alecse – by Simone L.
Introducing Alecse, a talented poster artist, photographer, and travel and surf enthusiast whose passion for exploring the world has inspired his collection of vintage-inspired travel posters. With a background in creative direction, painting exhibitions, and a family legacy in architecture and art, his unique perspective has captivated decoration lovers and travel aficionados alike. Join us as we dive into his experiences and insights on the power of travel and art.
Simone: You come from an artistic family with your father being an optical surrealist painter and your grandfather a renowned architect. How did this influence your passion for travel and art?
Alecse: My family heritage definitely played a significant role in shaping my passion for art and travel. Growing up, I was surrounded by artistic influences and world travel was a part of my upbringing. It's hard not to be inspired by the creativity and beauty that surrounds you when you grow up in that environment.
Simone: You have lived in various parts of the world, including Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Sri Lanka, and Bordeaux. Which place has had the most profound impact on your art?
Alecse: Each place has had a unique impact on my art. Paris has always been a source of inspiration for me, with its rich artistic history and culture. New York and Los Angeles exposed me to a different kind of energy and creativity. Sri Lanka's vibrant colors and exotic landscapes have been a significant influence, and Bordeaux and the South West of France have inspired some of my most popular travel posters.
Simone: What's your favorite travel destination, and why?
Alecse: That's a tough one! I have so many favorite destinations, but I would say Sri Lanka holds a special place in my heart as I lived there for almost 10 years. The landscapes are stunning and completely change every 50km, the culture is vibrant, and the people are warm and welcoming.
Simone: Your love for travel and adventure is evident in your work. Have you ever taken on a big adventure yourself?
Alecse: Absolutely! In 2019, I participated in the Rickshaw Run, which took me and my team across India from Rajasthan to Kerala in a three-wheeler tuk-tuk. It was an incredible journey through a country with such a rich culture and history. The best part was experiencing it all from the unique perspective of a tuk-tuk seat.
Simone: Wow, that sounds like an amazing experience! Would you say that traveling has had an impact on your artwork?
Alecse: Definitely. Traveling is a constant source of inspiration for me. It allows me to experience new cultures, landscapes, and people, which in turn influences my creative process. It's the reason I started creating travel posters in the first place – to capture the essence of a destination and inspire others to explore the world.
Simone: Speaking of inspiration, where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
Alecse: It comes from many different sources – art, design, photography, architecture, and of course, travel. I'm constantly on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration, whether it's through exploring a new city, chatting with people, or cruising off the beaten tracks.
Simone: So Alecse, which poster from your collection is your personal favorite?
Alecse: Well, that's a tough question. I've created posters for so many beautiful destinations around the world. But if I had to choose, I'd say my favorite is probably the one of California. The Golden State has always fascinated me with its endless coastlines, rugged mountains, and laid-back culture. I wanted to capture that essence in my poster.
Simone: Your posters have a distinct vintage feel to them. What draws you to this style?
Alecse: I love the nostalgia and romanticism of vintage travel posters from the mid-20th century. They capture a time when travel was more about the journey and the experience, rather than just getting to a destination as quickly as possible. I try to capture that same feeling in my posters, while also bringing a modern twist to the design.
Simone: Your posters are not just beautiful, they're also environmentally conscious. Can you tell us more about that?
Alecse: Yes, I'm committed to reducing my environmental impact as much as possible. All my posters are produced on-demand, so there's no excess stock or waste. They're also printed using eco-friendly inks and papers, and I work with printers all over the world to reduce shipping distances and emissions.
Simone: With the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, how do you think the traveling culture will be affected?
Alecse: I believe that we are currently witnessing a major shift in the way people approach travel. The pandemic has forced us to slow down and reevaluate our priorities, and I think we will see a greater emphasis on sustainable and mindful travel in the future. Hopefully, people will be more conscious of their impact on the environment and local communities, and will seek out experiences that are meaningful and authentic.
However, I believe that even in difficult times, travel can play an important role in fostering understanding and empathy between cultures. It is through travel that we can break down barriers and build bridges between people from different backgrounds.
While the current situation may be challenging, I remain optimistic about the future of travel. I believe that the desire to explore and discover new places is deeply ingrained in human nature, and that we will continue to find ways to connect with each other and the world around us, no matter what challenges we may face.
Simone: What advice do you have for someone who wants to start traveling and exploring the world?
Alecse: My advice would be to just go for it! Don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in life. It opens your mind, broadens your perspective, and creates memories that will last a lifetime. And if you need some inspiration, just take a look at my posters – they're a great place to start!
As our interview comes to a close, it's clear that Alecse’s passion for art and travel is deeply rooted. His fresh, emotional take on vintage travel art has caught the attention of major French décor and fashion magazines, travel guides, hotels, shops, and creative teams around the world. We can’t wait to see what he creates next — and we hope his posters continue to inspire people to explore the world.
