Lorenzo photo by Laure Fourcade
The 2014 Motorcycle Film Festival poster is brought to us by Lorenzo H-E Eroticolor Pictures. Based in Paris, the international artist has quite an eye for color and line. The extremely prolific artist took a break from his frantic schedule to speak with us.
Hi Lorenzo. Motorcycles are seen as powerful machines as well as beautiful art. When did you get excited by the art of motorcycles?
A long time ago, in a place far from civilization, lost in the confines of the North. It was at a weird family funeral, when suddenly the thunder of a flat twin appeared in a dirty cloud of smoke. The smell of burnt oil filled the air and a raven flying overhead darkened the heavens. A mysterious ghost-like figure, in black leather, appeared riding a used up R69S: a man of no age, covered in dust, his face sharp like a knife … a stateless, nameless man. I have the blood of this man inside me – we come from the darkest forests, and we ride in loneliness… For the rest of the story you’ll have to read my book Aristocratic Motorcyclist.
In fact, you have two themes in your work: Motorcycles and Erotica. Why those two subjects?
That’s not entirely the case: I actually have more. But erotica is the way I see and desire my world and motorcycles are what I need to stay among humans.
Your art combines image, illustration, typography… tell us about your influences.
I’m a solitary man, an old-fashioned character with this impossible hope of being the worthy heir of those who went before me. I have this secret fantasy of being the last of these men – the Lords of the Land of Phantoms… I believe in the Spirit’s power. I have never stopped following the road they travelled before me. (It would be rude to give you a list of names; they deserve so much more.)
Actually, inspiration can just as easily come from books – and movies. Or that perfect ray of light, cutting through the lost world. Whatever works!
Do you start with an idea or develop it by drawing? Tell us about your process.
Perhaps you have noticed that I always have a story to tell? In fact, I just draw my reality. I don’t try to concoct something fashionable or spectacular: I just try and invite people into my world.
I aim to build a work of art, something that will always remain. This work is not aimed at anyone or any particular moment in time. I don’t draw just for drawing sake – I’m done with that. I follow my desire and in turn tell you to follow me.
I’m just at the beginning, even if it’s the result of 30 years of work.
Posters are so simple and effective. In the past, manufacturers (and auto racing) only used poster art. Not so much today. Do you think the art of posters will make a comeback?
Unfortunately, my magical powers don’t extend to me being a diviner of what drives marketing’s sharks, but I work hard towards it, believe me. Maybe the art of the poster has metamorphosed into just art? Perhaps the marketing world is ruled by people without memories – do you think we can build anything without looking at the past? I don’t.
We’ve spotted several cafe racers and vintage racing motorcycles in your art. What do you ride and what is your favorite motorcycle?
I’ve had the pleasure of working for several magazines and doing some wonderful road trips on all kinds of motorcycles. My favorite is mine – a 1968 Bitza 900 R/5 BMW. But I confess that my most erotic souvenir is my Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000, turned into an evil cafe racer.
How did you get involved with the Motorcycle Film Festival?
The organizers of the festival discovered my work at the Oil & Ink poster expo in Brooklyn and presented me with the great honor of designing the 2014 MFF poster.
What is your favorite motorcycle film?
The one that hasn’t been made yet.
Check out Lorenzo’s work at: www.lorenzo-eroticolor.com and www.aristocraticmotorcyclist.tumblr.com.