Florin gets interactive at MediaCity

MANCHESTER School of Art’s ‘Media Lab’ has unveiled a stunning installation at the Holiday Inn at Media City, Salford.

Five exciting new installations created by postgraduate student Florin Mocanu which are spread over the lobby, restaurant and conference areas of the hotel and which respond to visitors’ presence, movements and conversations.

Inspired by the setting and location of the Holiday Inn at the heart of MediaCityUK the installations play with notions and characteristics of film, video and media professions.

The project, set in motion by hotel owners Peel Holdings, is part of a collaborative programme with the Media Lab which involves bringing together postgraduate students from filmmaking, photography, media arts, and film & media studies to work on professional practice.Media atmosphere.

Media environment

Tasked with the brief of showcasing not only the talents of the artist but for the art form to fit with the vibrant and technical environment of Media City, MA Media Arts student Florin Mocanu transformed the hotel into a multi-media gallery by combining state-of the-art technology, contemporary interior design and a unique artistic expression to bring the hotel to life.

At the launch on Thursday, February 9, Peter de la Perrelle, managing director of the Hotel Division of Peel Holdings (Leisure) Limited unveiled the installations with University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Gerry kelleher.

Florin joined the MA Media Arts course after graduating in Fine Art and Interior Design. He conceived and constructed the installation as well as custom writing some software applications, and was assisted by Andrea Zapp, an international media artist and programme leader of the Media LAB at MMU.

Mr de la Perrelle said, “We are delighted to have been able to to provide Florin with the opportunity to showcase his work here. His cutting-edge art fits perfectly with the ethos of the location and as with all things contemporary provides an excellent talking point for guests as well.”

Amazing opportunity

Florin said: “It was such a great challenge setting up permanent installations in a public space. The environment was very inspiring – especially dealing with a hotel lobby – and I could create a direct link between media, art, the hotel, and its guests. From the very beginning, everybody at Holiday Inn has been very encouraging, supportive, and open to my ideas.”

Andrea Zapp said: “This collaboration is a highlight in our work at the Media LAB. It is an amazing opportunity for Florin to develop his creative skills and reflects at a very high level how we can link student research to a professional environment as a major part of our programme.”

The MediaLab at MMU, The Manchester School of Art, is a unique MA media programme with pathways in Photography, Filmmaking, Media Arts and Film & Media Studies. Students work on individual projects in their chosen field, while experimenting with a broader spectrum of screen media methodologies in interdisciplinary groups and in close collaboration with an extensive, regional network of cultural and media organisations. For further info visit http://www.media-arts.mmu.ac.uk/