Andrei Nicolescu

Clarity and experiment, geometry and imagination – Andrei Nicolescu moves with ease in the space between architecture and art. The Bucharest-based architect and visual artist constantly seeks dialogue between disciplines: photography, illustration, graphic design, and painting flow together in his work to open up new visual worlds.

Geometric rigor meets a palette inspired by the radiant worlds of Technicolor films and comics, from which he draws much of his artistic inspiration. In this tension between discipline and intensity, Nicolescu develops a language that is both precise and vibrantly alive. His focus is always on the essence – images reduced to what is essential, and thereby gaining in strength: intense, infused with a luminosity that captures the viewer instantly, and refined with a precision inspired by Wes Anderson’s aesthetic.

Trained as an architect, he thinks in structures; as an artist, he breaks them open. His works weave together construction and emotion, order and freedom – and always carry a subtle sense of mystery, an echo of the fictional, fantastical worlds that inspire him. What emerges are contemporary visual spaces that deliberately cross the line between applied design and free art.

With projects for international clients – from Adobe Creative Cloud to Little White Lies and Absolut Vodka – and awards at competitions such as WIA 2022 and UYDA @ Romanian Design Week, Nicolescu has established his visual signature internationally.

His Fashionista series at LUMAS demonstrates how he combines geometric rigor with playful luminosity – merging architecture, graphics, and art into a contemporary whole. It is not only a homage to the clarity of form but also a reflection on the power of imagination – letting clarity and freedom culminate in a vibrant explosion of color.

Picasso once said, “you don’t make art, you find it.” Where do you find your art?

I would say pretty much everywhere, from music to film to books to my imagination.

From an idea to its materialization: How do you approach your work?

Having a background in architecture helps me structure my work process. I do a bit of idea searching and refining concepts before beginning work on sketches.

I always try to have an interesting idea, thought or composition to make my work more attractive or intriguing.

What is your favorite book?

I do enjoy a lot of different types of literature from sci-fi to non-fiction, but right now my favorite book is Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Which artist would you like to have coffee with and what would you discuss?

It would definitely have to be James Jean. I’ve followed his work over the years beginning with spotting some comicbook covers he was doing and then gleaning in awe at his sketches on his website.

I think we would discuss how we view colors and subjects alongside what art is.

How did you get into art?

I was always into art somewhat by having an architect father. I was always reading picture books, comics and art catalogues from his collection.

Who are the people in your surroundings that influence you?

At the moment it’s my partner Ana who is the driving force behind me trying to be more confident in my artistic voice. She is also a great influence in work ethic and working on the little details.

Imagine you have a time machine. Where would you go?

Most likely to sometime that favoured illustration alot more in commercial art and visual storytelling perhaps the 1980s. I would love to do some vinyl covers.

Other than art, what are you most passionate about?

It might be still art adjacent but it would be architecture and urban planning. Ideally I’d want everyone to have proper living conditions in a friendlier urban setting. I’ve been thinking about organising a community group with this aim.

What are you working on right now?

Currently I am touching up on some older artwork ideas that I’d like to redo, whilst juggling graphic design assignments.