ImPOSSIBLE Interview

Mr. OneTeas brings joy to local children and enhances the cultural heritage of the Principality of Monaco.

Monaco-based artist Anthony Alberti, widely known as Mr. OneTeas, was born in Nice into an Italian family. Raised between Monaco and the outskirts of Paris, Anthony ultimately chose the Principality as his home nearly two decades ago.

“Monaco is a great location—it allows me to travel the world for various art and cultural projects, and to share those experiences with others,” – Anthony explains.

Interestingly, Anthony didn’t begin his journey as an artist. He studied science and mathematics and was particularly fascinated by psychology. After completing his studies, he entered the hospitality and catering industry, gaining international experience in both Italy and Monaco. Later, he joined the family real estate business.

“Real estate wasn’t really my thing,” – he admits. – “But when my father asked me to help, I agreed and decided to stay in Monaco. It was a difficult choice because I had other offers at the time, including one in New York. But staying close to my family and supporting my father was more important to me.”

Three years later, Anthony made a life-changing decision to pursue his dream.

“I remember going to the office one day and saying, ‘Guys, I’m leaving today.’ They thought I meant for the weekend. I said, ‘No, I’m leaving real estate altogether.’ They asked if I was burned out, and I just laughed and replied, ‘I’m coming out.’” – laughs Anthony. – “At that time, it was completely against the norm in Monaco. People told me, ‘You’re in real estate, you could make a lot of money.’ But they didn’t understand—my goal wasn’t to be rich in money, I wanted to be rich in experience.”

Since June 2011, Anthony has dedicated himself entirely to art, festival scenography, and creative collaborations with various brands—all pursued with unwavering enthusiasm and a broad smile.

“The sister of my dad, Donatella, is like an adopted mother to me,” – he says fondly. – “She sparked my curiosity about the world I live in. Every weekend, she would take me to museums and organise creative workshops. She gave me the gift of wonder.”

The Birth of Mr OneTeas

Born in 1984, Anthony Alberti—now known by his artistic moniker Mr. OneTeas—grew up during the transformative cultural wave of the 1990s. It was a time when graffiti was still virtually unheard of in Monaco, though the movement had just begun to blossom in France. Splitting his time between Monaco and the Parisian suburbs helped shape his open-minded approach to urban art.

How did your journey into art begin?

“More than two decades ago, when I was 19, I did something really horrible with my friend KRASH 2,” – Anthony recalls with a laugh. – “We escaped from our boarding school in the middle of the night, and I did graffiti for the first time. 

That sensation of pressing the spray can, it was magnetic. From that moment, I promised myself that I would never stop painting, as long as I was allowed to express what was in my head.”

Even while working in the real estate industry, Anthony lived a double life. By day, he wore a suit and tie. But by night and every week ends, he roamed the shadows of abandoned buildings, creating graffiti murals in secret corners of the city with his team “Los Gringos Crew”.

What was your first “legal” graffiti?

“I remember it vividly—and not for the best reasons,” – Anthony smiles. – “A friend of mine opened a new restaurant at the main port of Monaco called Le Virage. He commissioned me to paint the exterior walls during the works. 

I had barely started—maybe 15 minutes into spraying—when the Monaco police arrived and arrested me. Even though I was just fulfilling a contract, Monaco wasn’t used to seeing anyone paint building walls with spray cans. It was a cultural shock.”

In his early graffiti days, Anthony signed his pieces under the artistic name Teas. But over time, complications arose.

“After a few years, I discovered someone else was using the same name—same pronunciation, different spelling—and doing things that I didn’t want to be associated with. That’s when Mr. OneTeas was born.”

The evolution of his name marked the crystallisation of his artistic identity. Mr. OneTeas wasn’t just a tag—it was a concept. A tease. A nudge. A mirror held up to society.

“The name Mr. OneTeas symbolises how I want to provoke thought and stir emotions. I love challenging the viewer’s mind and pushing them to think differently. 

My art is inspired by the society we live in. I reflect on everyday things and try to awaken awareness through my lens. I paint what’s happening today, with my voice, my vision, and a desire to spark reflection and conscience.”

The Poisoned Burger

In 2009, Mr. OneTeas caused a stir with one of his earliest iconic pieces: Mickey Mouse, draped in fragments of an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag, painted over a canvas plastered with dollar bills. One stark word accompanied the scene: “Consume.” The message was bold and unmistakable—an artistic provocation on the culture of consumerism.

Two years later, in 2011, Anthony turned his gaze toward a new target: international fast food. In a controversial series titled The Wack Donald’s Project, he portrayed a weeping Ronald McDonald as a symbol of junk food’s harmful impact on children.

“I was arrested in New York because of that project,” – Anthony says with a smile. – “I had placed more than 3.000 “My father is a terrorist” posters around Manhattan—they were literally everywhere.”

As a child, he was already fascinated by the image of the sad clown, sketching them repeatedly. That haunting contradiction—between joy and sorrow—became a central theme in his artistic vocabulary. Since then, Anthony has produced hundreds of clown-inspired artworks as social commentary.

One of his most controversial works reimagines Snow White, dressed in Ronald McDonald’s unmistakable red and yellow, holding a poisoned burger instead of the classic poisoned apple.

“I painted it on Jefferson Street in Brooklyn, and the message really struck people. When I finished, a little boy walking by with his mother pointed at it and said, ‘Look, Mom, Snow White is eating the poisoned burger!’ That moment made me proud because even a child understood my message.”

But Anthony’s critique of mass consumption didn’t stop at fast food. The ecological warning through is art pieces since 2012… Using materials from the past to bring them through the years as art pieces unstead of obsolete garbage. He recreated the iconic Jaws poster with a floating plastic bottle replacing the shark.To denonce the obselet society we are living in, with “the obselete sin” he creates a bridge transfoming  Apple logo using vintage floppy disks is kind of religion hystorical reference and crafted a portrait of Alfred Hitchcock from old VHS tapes of the director’s films. These inventive transformations elevate discarded relics of pop culture into enduring works of art.

Do you have any artistic regrets?

“I think we shouldn’t live with regrets. Life is about experiences,” – Anthony reflects. – “Maybe I sometimes push boundaries too far, but it’s always part of evolving our vision.”

One striking example of his evolving philosophy is an artwork featuring a delicate rose made from uncirculated currency bills—an object that once symbolized value, now given new purpose through art. It is a true transformation from obsolescence to the meaningfulness of an eternal flower.

“I work a lot with recycled materials. Giving a second life to forgotten objects and transforming them into beauty is one of the most powerful things art can do.”

Where do you find your inspiration?

“My inspiration comes from the world I live in—sometimes political, sometimes humorous, sometimes it’s just capturing a cultural shift. The key is to say something with it.”

From graffiti to gallery-worthy political pop art, Anthony’s evolution as an artist has been shaped by purpose more than style.

“Like many graffiti artists, I started with typography, writing and designing letters. But I always had something to say. I needed a way to express my thoughts, my criticism, my curiosity.”

What do you hope people feel when they see your art?

“I try to create something visually appealing, but what I really want is for people to think. As I am really starving for messages, I crave meaning in art, and I want to trigger that same hunger in others.”

In 2010, Anthony won an art competition that granted him a solo exhibition. But instead of basking in the spotlight, he invited 25 friends from around the world to share the space, highlighting his passion for community over ego with an exhibition called “Graffiti Issue”.

Do you remember your first major solo success?

“My first truly successful exhibition was “Recycl’Art” with Paul Janssen Gallery in Grimaud, South of France. It was a beautiful collaboration. One day, I hope to go back and do a 15-year retrospective there.”

The Minitel Revival

The Minitel, short for Médium interactif par numérisation d’information téléphonique (Interactive Medium for Digitized Information by Telephone), and officially known as TELETEL, was an interactive videotex online service accessed via telephone lines. It was the world’s first and most successful mass-market online platform, long before the World Wide Web.

“After I left the real estate business, the first artistic event I personally organised was themed around the Minitel,” – recalls Anthony. – “It was three decades after the invention of the Minitel, and I was fascinated by this technology—it was considered the grandfather of the internet.”

Originally launched on an experimental basis on 15 July 1980 in Saint-Malo, the Minitel service expanded to other regions later that year and was officially rolled out across France in 1982 by the PTT (Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones).

“I had collected 30 different Minitel terminals and curated a group exhibition featuring the work of 30 artists,” – says Anthony. – “I rented out a restaurant in Monaco, called Virage at the time, and turned it into a celebration of 30 years of Minitel’s existence.”

We created a charity auction for all the minitels turned out in art pieces on the official day of his death, and turned all the benefits to Fight Aids Monaco association.

Reality Show

One of Anthony Alberti’s most recent Museum exhibitions, titled Reality Show, delved into the modern human condition and the invisible cages we build around ourselves—often voluntarily.

“The idea was to raise awareness about all the things that imprison us today,” – Anthony explains. – “We live in an era where no one leaves the house without their phone. Our priorities have shifted dramatically.”

The exhibition, which ran for four months, featured 120 original artworks, each exploring themes of dependency, surveillance, and societal pressure.

“That exhibition marked a turning point in my creative journey,” – he says. – “I began replacing traditional portraits with mirrors, allowing visitors to see themselves in the art. They were no longer just spectators—they became actors within the installation.”

The mirrored works invited deep introspection and forced each viewer to confront their own role in the spectacle of modern life.

Do you prefer working solo or in collaboration?

“It depends on the project,” – Anthony reflects. – “But generally speaking, I love to share. I enjoy creating events where I can invite the people I care about, friends, collaborators, fellow artists. It becomes something much bigger than just my own vision.”

The Sovereign Prince and the Artist

Over the past two decades, Anthony has played a key role in Monaco’s cultural landscape, contributing to numerous artistic initiatives and public projects. Many of these were created with or for His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

“I’m truly thankful to His Serene Highness for his openness and continued support for art and culture. He has always shown genuine interest and care for the projects I’ve undertaken,” – says Anthony.

How did this royal connection begin?

“In 2012, I was invited to create a live painting for JCI Monaco (Jeune Chambre Économique de Monaco). It was the first time I had the honour of meeting His Highness,” – Anthony recalls. – “It was a gala dinner, and I was scheduled to perform after dessert. I happened to be seated at the same table as the Prince, so I turned to Him and said, ‘I’m going to get changed soon for a live painting performance that I’d like to dedicate to You. Would You be open to taking part in it?’”

It was a bold move—breaking with royal protocol—but H.S.H. Prince Albert responded with characteristic warmth and curiosity.

“He said, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ So we went up to the stage together. I prepared the canvas, and His Highness made the revealing part of it.”

That night, Anthony not only surprised the audience with his creative approach, but also broke from the original brief. He was asked to paint a portrait of Princess Grace. However, just days before the event, the world mourned the death of Nelson Mandela—a figure deeply admired by H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, who shares roots with South Africa.

“In my heart, I wanted to create a symbolic gesture, a tribute that would resonate with the Princess and honour Mandela’s global legacy.”

As the performance began, Anthony started painting with white powder on a blank white canvas, creating a quiet tension in the room as no image appeared. Then, in a moment of theatrical brilliance, he invited H.S.H. Prince Albert II onto the stage and handed him a spray varnish. As the Sovereign Prince sprayed the canvas, the image of Nelson Mandela emerged—a powerful and emotional reveal.

“His Highness was truly intrigued by the process,” – Anthony says. – “A few days later, I received a personal invitation to the Prince’s Palace for an audience. Since then, the Prince has taken part in many of the cultural projects I’ve developed, both here in Monaco and abroad.”

Their unique collaboration is a testament not only to the Prince’s enduring commitment to the arts, but also to the freedom Monaco affords its creatives—a place where protocol meets possibility, and where visionaries like Mr. OneTeas are empowered to turn ideas into impact.

Being human

In 2016, Anthony launched a powerful and poignant project part of the JR international initiative titled “Inside Out Monaco, Dare to Be You” aimed at honouring the people who keep the Principality running every day—those often overlooked, yet essential to the fabric of Monaco.

“Every day, 50,000 people come into Monaco to make it shine—and it really does shine,” – Anthony reflects. – “I’ve always loved the duality here, this blend between a fairytale setting and real life. That’s what inspired the project: to highlight the people in the shadow who help build this magic.”

The concept was to shine a light on the cross-border workers—a vibrant mix of cultures and social backgrounds—who commute daily to contribute to Monaco’s economy and lifestyle. Anthony wanted to show the human infrastructure behind the glamour.

“Everyone notices the billionaire dancing on the table, but I wanted to honour the person who serves the drink, who ensures the night goes smoothly,” – he explains. – “The people behind the scenes are often invisible, but they’re essential.”

The Inside Out Monaco installation was displayed at Ni-Box, a prominent location directly along the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. The project featured a striking 900 square meters outdoor display, capturing the faces of these everyday heroes in larger-than-life portraits.

“My goal was to showcase that everyone who contributes to Monaco is important. We’re all bricks in the wall, and without one, the wall collapses. Every person matters.”

To bring the project to life, Anthony met with H.S.H. Prince Albert II to request approval.

“His Highness was initially thoughtful, considering the idea, but eventually said yes,” – Anthony recalls. – “And from that moment, the project took flight.”

The exhibition was met with great acclaim and sparked thoughtful conversation about inclusion, dignity, and community. Its message resonated deeply—especially in a place where service and excellence are so intricately woven into daily life.

“Projects like these brought me even closer to the Sovereign Prince. Every time I come up with a new crazy idea, He looks at me and says, Go for it,” – laughs Anthony.

What advice would you give to a young Monégasque artist just starting out?

“I don’t have a secret formula. Honestly, everyone can be an artist. It’s about what’s in your heart. If you’re motivated and you believe in what you do, then go for it. Don’t listen to people who tell you your dream is unrealistic.

I like to break up the word impossible, because to me, it’s ‘ un possible.’ Anything is possible if you act on it. If you don’t have faith in yourself, you’ll struggle. But if you have persistence and confidence, you can take action—and any dream backed by action becomes reality. Don’t hide. Go meet people. Try. Make things happen.”

Dolceacqua, a New Chapter

Four years ago, life shifted beautifully for Monaco-based artist Anthony. Amidst the joy of welcoming his son into the world, Anthony made another significant change—relocating his creative studio from Roquebrune Cap Martin to a spacious abandonned place that he turned out as a new wonderfull atelier in Dolceacqua, a picturesque Italian village just 35 km from the Principality.

“Letting go of my old studio after the pandemic was not easy,” – he reflects. – “It triggered an emotional rollercoaster with a lot of ups and downs. At times, I felt like I was starting again from scratch. But the moment I found the future studio in Dolceacqua, the vision struck me. I saw the next chapter of my life.”

That chapter would unfold in a stunning industrial space, which Anthony shares with long-time collaborator and best friend Zuzur.

“I met Zuzur more than 20 years ago. He’s not just my assistant—he’s my best friend. Together we renovated the entire space, and it’s become something truly special. I wish more people could visit, because everyone who enters sees something different.”

Finding the right space, however, was a journey in itself. Anthony visited 46 different sites in under two months before settling on what would become his new artistic sanctuary. The renovation was intense, even physically dangerous. Anthony suffered a serious fall from the rooftop and was temporarily wheelchair-bound.

“I was in a lot of pain, but I still pushed through to work on a new art piece,” – he recalls. – “As we say—no pain, no gain,” – he jokes. – “But being in a wheelchair changed my perspective. You realise how unaccommodating the world can be. Since then, I’ve gained a deeper respect for people living with disabilities, they truly navigate a different reality.”

Fate had one more twist in store: not long after Anthony acquired the studio, Dolceacqua and the Principality of Monaco were officially twinned on 3rd November 2023, a symbolic reunion with a deeply rooted history.

Dolceacqua has centuries-old ties to the Grimaldi family, beginning with the 1491 marriage of Françoise Grimaldi and Luc Doria. In 1523, following a tragic assassination—when the couple’s son, Barthélemy Doria, assassinated his uncle and the Lord of Monaco—that shook both families, the region’s communes—including Dolceacqua—swore loyalty to the Grimaldis. 

Exactly 500 years later, that bond was formally renewed through the twinning ceremony on 3rd November 2023.

“It’s fascinating how life works,” – says Anthony. – “I had no idea this would happen when I chose the space. Now, my studio once again feels deeply connected to the Principality.”

As a resident of Monaco, does the daily cross-border commute bother you?

“Not at all. It gives me rhythm, and it separates my two worlds: family and creativity.”

Anthony cherishes his mornings at home with his wife and young son.

“I love starting the day with them, preparing breakfast, getting him ready, taking him to school when I can. They’re the most important part of my life. My wife has always stood by me, even through the toughest times. Her encouragement means everything to me.”

Then comes the drive—a brief but powerful mental shift.

“As soon as I get on the road, my brain shifts into creative mode. It’s incredible how that short drive disconnects me from one world and prepares me for the next. It’s a ritual now, and I wouldn’t trade it.”

“Strong Together”: The Message That United Monaco

During the dark and uncertain days of the pandemic, the Principality of Monaco embraced a powerful message of resilience: “Strong Together.” While widely recognised as a unifying slogan across the nation, few know that it was originally conceived and created by local artist Anthony.

The idea came to life through a conversation with his friend Mikael, who worked for Monte-Carlo SBM.

“He asked if I’d be open to creating something uplifting,” – Anthony recalls. – “I came up with the ‘Strong Together’ design—and to my surprise, it quickly took off. I still remember the moment I first saw my creation projected on the wall of the Monte-Carlo Casino. It was emotional.”

The message—simple yet profound—resonated deeply with residents navigating curfews, isolation, and fear. It became a visual beacon of solidarity, reminding everyone that they were not alone.

Its impact extended even further. The AS Monaco football team adopted the slogan, incorporating it into their branding and even embedding the logo into the grass of the stadium.

“For me, this project meant a lot,” – says Anthony. – “It was a time when we were all confined, staring out the window, wondering what was coming next. But through that uncertainty, I was able to create something that gave people a little hope. That’s what I love—sharing something that uplifts and connects.”

What began as a few painted words has since become part of Monaco’s modern cultural memory; a reminder that in moments of adversity, unity is the greatest strength.

Art in Monaco: A Global Canvas in a Human-Sized Country

Is Monaco a good place for an artist?

“First of all, I’m really lucky and grateful to be in Monaco,” – says Anthony. –  “The country offers wonderful opportunities for what I do. It’s always been amazing to be based here, just the fact that the world is tuned into Monaco brings so much potential.”

Indeed, Monaco has long been home to world-renowned artists and collectors, with deep-rooted connections to families like Botero and Picasso. The Principality fosters a rich cultural dialogue and continues to attract creative minds from around the globe.

“Our community enjoys a beautiful cultural exchange. You’ll find a high concentration of creativity at every level. For many years, I’ve welcomed artists from all over the world here.”

Monaco’s population includes successful individuals from a variety of fields. That dynamic mix creates fertile ground for creative collaboration and entrepreneurial energy. With over 140 nationalities living in harmony, new ideas and projects naturally emerge.

“Monaco has this incredible synergy,” – says Anthony. – “The world comes to you here, and being in Monaco means you’re also touching the world.”

He also praises the quality of Monaco’s art institutions and exhibitions.

“I’m thankful for the world-class museums and the level of curation here. We’ve had inspiring shows from Monet, Picasso, Dalí, and Turner—exhibitions that leave a deep mark.”

One of Monaco’s unique advantages, Anthony notes, is its human scale. In a city-state where people often cross paths and build close relationships, creativity and collaboration flourish naturally.

“Living in Monaco feels like being part of a big extended family. People take the time to care about one another. It’s safe, it’s peaceful, and I’m happy my son was born here and will grow up in this environment.”

Is something still missing for artists in Monaco?

“I would love to see more artist residency here,” – Anthony adds. – “A place where creators can hold open studio days, collaborate, exchange techniques, and inspire not only fellow artists, but also collectors and art lovers. It would enrich the local cultural landscape and strengthen Monaco’s role as a creative hub.”

Social Impact

For Anthony, art is far more than visual expression—it’s a journey of empathy, community, and transformation.

“Since I left my real estate job, I’ve never looked back,” – Anthony says. – “Every morning, I wake up loving what I do. Every day is filled with creating, loving, caring, sharing, and learning, because we never stop learning about ourselves and others.”

Anthony is deeply committed to social impact, using art to inspire and connect people across generations. He is especially passionate about engaging young people, frequently collaborating with local schools on creative projects that combine art and education.

“I love sharing my work with children. They’ll be the adults of tomorrow. If we can talk to them about real issues—like environmental concerns—and do it through a creative, hands-on approach, it can plant a seed of awareness. If we don’t teach the next generation, how can we expect change?”

Anthony’s art consistently holds a mirror to society, often critiquing the ego-driven culture that social media tends to amplify. His belief? That true connection and positive impact come from real-life interactions, not curated posts.

“I think education is the most important thing. I want young people to look beyond themselves. Instead of saying me, I want them to start saying us.”

In 2023, as Monaco celebrated the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III, Anthony was invited to lead a participatory art project as part of the national commemorations. Guests of all ages gathered to paint miniature artworks in a public art station under his guidance.

“Everyone contributed a small piece—and they were proud of it,” – Anthony shares.

Later, he brought those creations together into a single large-scale collage. The symbolism was powerful.

“You may exist as an individual, but collectively, we are stronger together.”

The success of that project led to a first invitation from the Conseil National to be part with this collective art concept to the 20th anniversary of Monaco into the Council.

A month after the anniversary he received an other invitation this time from the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. For the International Day of Democracy, Anthony replicated the participatory concept with 42 member countries, each represented by a delegate who contributed their own brushstroke to a global canvas.

“I love these kinds of projects,” – Anthony smiles. – “Art is a tool to unite. If you want to change something in the world, you need others. We’re all citizens of the same planet.”

While it’s been nearly a decade since his last Museum exhibition, the demand for Anthony’s art has never waned. His projects continue to weave together cultural dialogue, education, and impact—exactly the kind of artistic legacy Monaco so proudly embraces.

In the meantime, the community waits with anticipation for the next chapter of Mr. OneTeas’ creative journey.