Coming from Cluj, entering Alba-Iulia, between the busy road and the only seemingly abandoned railway, I have come across a special construction, whose versatile elements combined from various materials, from concrete and metal to wood and rubber, endow it with special character. Wherever you look, you are greeted by obviously long-thought-out and carefully crafted surfaces, nothing has been left to chance. I stopped for a chat with the designer, the contractor and its owner, one and the same person, sculptor Florin Magda :) Florin, what's the story?
The idea of building a creative workshop appeared spontaneously five years ago when I found a secluded land that I really liked near Alba-Iulia, but still in an easily accessible area. Although at first, few supported my idea and enthusiasm to build this space in a not very “fancy” area, I managed to open it in July of this year. Indeed, most of the design elements were designed and executed by me, in fact, I gave free rein to my imagination, I juggled for a long time with concrete, iron, wood, synthetic materials.
How did you decide to give up the workshop and turn it into a space for artistic projects?
The impulse to make this workshop a space for artistic projects came from Marius Roșu, an artist from Alba-Iulia, based in Bucharest. For several years, I had been sick and tired of the construction, and Marius showed up at the right time, bringing along the energy and ideas that I lacked. From that moment, HANGAR-F has been the synergy of two spirits eager to bring new events to this set.
If you had to limit yourself to 3 terms to define its identity as a cultural space, what would they be?
Imagination, Light, Freedom.
How can you be contacted by artists, what kind of collaborations are you considering?
We have a Facebook page where we are quite good listeners. There is also other information on how you can say “hi” to us if you want. Any artist who has something to say can write to us, and we will do our best to make something happen. HANGAR F is a space open to any form of visual art.
Have you already hosted a series of events, how did they take place and what was the feedback received?
The feedback was unexpectedly encouraging for us. Being at the beginning, I received, of course, practical advices for the future from the “coryphaei”. We have the chance to know and maintain friendly and professional relationships with various artists, architects, gallery owners, etc..
By the way, how do the inhabitants of the city perceive a space like this, as an alternative to the existing galleries / museums? Do you think it will coagulate a community through the proposed events?
Many found out about HANGAR F and many visited us, perhaps out of pure curiosity. HANGAR is without modesty a space that you fall in love with at first sight. Whoever stepped in here will definitely return. It is too early to talk about a community developed around this space, but it is what we want to achieve. The city has many valuable artists and deserves a space to unite them.
What are your plans and intentions for the future?
We have many plans and ideas. Next year we will go out with the spirit of HANGAR beyond the borders of the area. Follow our activity and you will find out what it is all about at the right time. In general, we aim to organize exhibitions and events that match the space or resonate with who we are. We remain open and optimistic.
Because we are still waiting for a train to pass, tell me what is the daily relationship with the neighboring railway?
With each train whistling, we startle and think about the way we go through life and the way we achieve our goals. And, all of a sudden, we remember we have to take the child from school :).
