Passionate about travel and photography, Alexandru Ilea has explored many places in Romania and other countries such as Cuba, India, Albania, and more. He learned photography through self-study and workshops led by photographers he admires, who later influenced him in his work.
His first "journey" to Cuba was an imaginary one — when he first listened to the music of the Cuban band Buena Vista Social Club. Later, he discovered the photographs of David Alan Harvey, Alex Webb, and Nikos Economopoulos from this country, which inspired him to see with his own eyes the people and the unique spirit of Cuba.
He sought to explore as many neighborhoods of Havana and other Cuban cities as possible. During his long walks, he avoided searching for specific scenes or subjects and instead let himself be guided by the present moment: the shouts of children playing in the streets, the party music inviting anyone to join in, and the rays of sunlight leading his steps through the streets.
The photographs captured during his travels in Cuba are now published in a book, bringing together moments of everyday life, the vibrant energy of the streets, and the soul of the country as seen through his lens.