WORLDS AT CROSSROADS project launched in July 2024 by Asociația Narative, is an ambitious initiative that highlights the oral history archive hosted by the Central University Library “Eugen Todoran” in Timișoara. Conceptualized and coordinated by Cinty Ionescu and co-funded by the National Cultural Fund Administration, this project merges academic research with artistic expression to bring to life the personal stories of Banat’s inhabitants.
Impact and Vision
Lumi la Intersecții goes beyond being a digital archive; it is an exploration of collective memory and personal stories that shape the identity of a region. By connecting the past with the present, the project offers a dialogue that bridges generations and perspectives, all while showcasing the transformative power of art and technology.
As the project coordinator, Cinty Ionescu played a pivotal role in bridging historical narratives with modern technology and new media art. She led the team in transforming archival content into dynamic, interactive experiences. Her expertise in visual storytelling and new media brought a fresh dimension to the project, including the use of augmented reality (AR) and immersive installations. Through her leadership and artistic contributions, Cinty Ionescu has demonstrated how new media can reinterpret history, engaging audiences in innovative ways and amplifying the voices of the past for future generations.
About the Archive
The archive, overseen by conf. dr. Smaranda Vultur, comprises approximately 400 interviews conducted between 1990 and 2020. These narratives delve into themes such as deportations, the World Wars, family dynamics, migration, and local history. The selection of 50 life stories used in the project captures diverse perspectives on the past, blending memory with imagination and lived experiences with oral testimony.
The project culminated in the creation of an interactive digital platform, www.lumilaintersectii.ro, which organizes the interviews, images, and archival documents into an accessible format. Visual artist Renée Renard created a series of digital artoworks using archival material.
Cinty Ionescu, alongside Maria Năstase, documented the entire process in the film Worlds at Crossroads. Archiving and Process, offering insights into the project’s development and artistic vision.
Additionally, the project integrated AR through a sub-initiative called Ne/Re-văzut, which reimagined two selected life stories into 3D installations that combine animation and sound. These were created by a team led by Cinty Ionescu, in collaboration with visual artist Ioana Nicoară and musical duo Makunouchi Bento.
Launch and Public Engagement
The official launch took place on October 22, 2024, at the Central University Library “Eugen Todoran” in Timișoara. The event featured the opening of the art exhibition Lumi la Intersecții. Destine din Arhivă, showcasing works by visual artist Renée Renard created using archive photographs and documents. Additionally, Maria Năstase and Cinty Ionescu premiered the documentary film they co-created: Worlds at Crossroads. Archive and Process .
Image credits:
Graphic Design: Sorin Păun
Artworks: Renée Renard
Photography: Maria Năstase