Art exhibition moves into Salford hotel

AN ARTIST has transformed a Salford hotel into an interactive gallery.

Florin Mocanu, 30, has used his skills to create a display of moving artwork in the Holiday Inn at MediaCityUK.

Five displays of Florin’s artwork have been spread across the lobby, restaurant, and conference areas, where they interact with the movement of hotel guests.

Pieces include eight characters who turn their gaze to follow visitors as they walk through the lobby.

Florin said: "The eight pieces describe different disciplines of the media, painters and dancers to cameramen.

“Sensors detect the direction of movement and the frames follow visitors with cameras or eyes.”

The digital artist also set up an installation in the bar, in which faces mimic nearby conversations

Florin added: “The levels of sound in the room determine the animation of the mouths which vary in intensity.

“It creates a silent dialogue to indicate a space where people are getting together to socialise and eventually to interact with artwork in a playful way.

"It was such a great challenge, and it’s great to get work displayed permanently and in a public place.”

The Romanian honed his skills in Manchester, culminating in him graduating with a Masters degree in Media Art last year.

Peter de la Perrelle, managing director at hotel owners Peel Leisure, says he is extremely pleased with Florin’s work.

He said: “We are delighted to showcase his work here at MediaCityUK.

“His cutting-edge art fits perfect with the ethos of the location.

“It provides an excellent talking point for guests as well.”

The project is part of a collaborative program with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Media LAB which brings together postgraduate students from film-making, photography, media arts, and film and media studies to work on professional initiatives.

By Mark Hattersley