Travel Roll: The Enchanted Scrolls of Cambodia by Raphaël Seyfried
- Sofiia Chaban
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Raphaël Seyfried, an Alsatian artist who has lived in Cambodia for a decade, has turned his lifelong passion for drawing into a unique creative journey: the Travel Rolls. Inspired by ancient scrolls, these illustrated rolls vividly capture the spirit of Cambodia, portraying everything from Apsara dancers and Angkor’s temples to the colors and movement of Khmer street food.
An Artistic Odyssey on Two Wheels
On his faithful motorbike or bicycle, Seyfried travels Cambodia’s dusty tracks and forgotten villages, sketchbook in hand.
“I sit wherever inspiration strikes, and I draw what I see,” he says.
Each masterpiece begins as an on-site sketch that is later stretched into giant rolls—often two to three meters long—with originals taking up to two months to complete. Seyfried’s work blends fluid watercolor, precise Chinese ink, and vibrant colored pencil to bring Cambodia’s lush jungles, bustling markets, and cultural symbols to life.
Once finished, these unique works are digitized and printed in limited editions on fine cotton canvas—the same material used for blank art canvases.
Each print is signed, stamped, and rolled into artisanal palm-leaf tubes crafted by Khmer village artisans. Seyfried keeps the originals as living testimony to his creative process, offering only the prints for sale to travelers and art lovers seeking authenticity.
From Nomadic Artist to Cultural Recognition
Seyfried’s story began with twists of fate. After completing agricultural studies near Strasbourg and a stint as an architect and urban planner, he embarked on a year-long journey around the world. The route led him unexpectedly to Cambodia, where a creative spark turned into Travel Roll. At the Siem Reap Night Market, he sold out his first stock of prints in just a few days—a sign of things to come.
A decade later, Seyfried has produced around fifteen editions, from iconic maps of Cambodia to themed series on food, rural life, and living culture. He has collaborated with institutions like the French Institute and several NGOs, expanding his artistic reach. His Travel Roll website and Instagram buzz with activity, reflecting both local and global interest.
Crafting Stories Beyond the Image
More than simple illustrations, the Travel Rolls function as visual narratives. Seyfried explains that he doesn’t just depict scenes—he draws stories rooted in Cambodian life, history, and symbolism. Observers often discover hidden motifs in his work: interwoven symbols, jungle temples, and zodiac animals that seem to emerge organically from the composition.
His architectural training informs his artistic approach, giving depth and structure to scenes that celebrate Cambodia’s living heritage. Through talks and presentations in France and abroad, Travel Roll has grown into a cultural ambassador—bridging contemporary graphic art with the country’s ancient legacy.
A Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity
Today, Travel Roll represents a bridge between traditions and contemporary expression: a French artist from Alsace adopting Southeast Asian influences and exporting the soul of Cambodia through his innovative visual objects. For travelers and curious minds alike, Seyfried’s work is not just art—it is an invitation to an inner journey through Cambodia’s heart and history.
