Hamid-Nicola Katrib first made headlines in Romanian media in 2018 when he dramatically shattered one of the most spectacular contemporary art installations ever made in Romania for the sake of art.
“The End,” a 3.5-meter-tall installation composed of 188 glass objects, was broken into thousands of shards at the Big Bang opening. Hamid constructed the installation from his imagination; piece by piece, in layers of meanings and symbols. Each element has a story connected to his painting “The End,” from which the idea originated.
“The installation is just the most visible part of the story of a unique artist who has spent a good part of his life between Beirut, Bacău, and Bucharest,” noted Diana Cosmin at the time about Hamid-Nicola Katrib.
From that time until today, Hamid has evolved as an architect, interior designer, and painter. Later, he brought all these three sides of himself together in his special space in Bucharest, HNK Gallery, where the unconventional and extravagant meet. He describes this space as “a surreal oasis of inspiration and refinement.” Introduction to Hamid-Nicola Katrib’s Art and HNK Gallery Hamid Nicola Katrib is an interior architect and painter who settled in Romania 14 years ago. In 2020, he opened his own art gallery in Bucharest, where paintings and furniture pieces, art installations, and glass objects created by him are currently displayed, along with a part of his portrait collection. The space is designed as a venue to host cultural events, workshops, exhibitions, and openings.
Transformation of a Historic Building Located in an old warehouse that previously served as an airplane parts factory and later as a carpentry depot, the HNK gallery was transformed by architect and designer Hamid-Nicola Katrib into a charming space. The shape and look of this multifunctional space are, for Hamid, a dream come true.
The gallery hosts an exhibition of his paintings, custom-made furniture, his painting studio, and the HNK design team’s office.
Space and Light The gallery’s hallway spans an impressive area of 260 square meters with a height of 6.5 meters. One of its main strengths is the natural light that floods the entire space due to the large windows.
Hamid decided to keep the old windows, respecting the building’s original identity and creating a contrast between old and new.
Hamid’s Surrealist Vision Hamid envisioned this space as a wonderland, where his surrealist vision as an artist comes to life. The sculptural arches visually separate two areas of the hall and invite visitors into a fantastical world full of endless possibilities.
Floor Design The floor is covered with a graphic design made from four different ceramic tiles, placed diagonally for a dramatic and impactful effect. The geometric influences, characteristic of HNK projects, are also present here, highlighting the gallery’s unique style.
Vibrant Colors Another signature element for HNK is color. The brighter, the better.
Hamid uses vibrant colors in all his creations, whether it’s painting, furniture, or interior design. The color palette in the gallery reflects the same bold approach, combining electric turquoise and discreet shades of pink with the timeless duo of black and white.
A 120-year-old piano, renovated in blue by Hamid, complements the gallery’s eclectic design and welcomes visitors at the entrance.
Portrait Collection The staircase wall leading to the mezzanine houses Hamid’s impressive collection of portraits, evoking old mansions where art always had a place of honor.
One of Hamid’s wishes was to create a small portrait museum for the public and a permanent exhibition of his beautiful collection. HNK Office The HNK office is dominated by strong masculine influences, with a predominant black color. A remarkable design element is the “paradise jungle” painting, created by Hamid on the sliding doors of the storage area, using gold foil and just two colors.
The same artwork is found on the limited edition consoles in Hamid’s office, and the art deco desk completes the decor. The wall behind the office hosts one of the artist’s first exhibition paintings, “Playing with Fire” (2009), embodying the eclectic, charming, and masculine style of the space.
Painting Workshop The painting workshop, the brightest area of the space, has two walls covered with tall windows, creating an inspirational atmosphere for Hamid. He kept the concrete floor, both for practical reasons and for its New York loft style. A Multifunctional Space The HNK Gallery, with an open space of 140 sqm, has been designed down to the smallest detail, becoming an ideal location for workshops, team buildings, book or perfume launches, video shootings, and many other projects.
With every design element, Hamid’s desire was to give this space a timeless note, leaving an unforgettable memory in the mind of every visitor. The HNK Gallery truly serves as a surreal gateway to inspiration and elegance, a place where art and design meet to create a unique and fascinating experience.