FIREKULTUR

About Daniel Pop and Firekultur

Daniel Pop, born in 1976, is the founder of the artistic group Firekultur (established in 2016) and a designer specializing in ceramic furniture and environmental installations. By blending diverse skills, he creates objects that straddle the boundaries of art, design, and architecture. In 2000, he graduated from the Cultural Heritage Department of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at the University of Iași, with a specialization in polychrome wood restoration. For several years, he explored technical drawing, CAD design, and CNC programming. In 2007, he settled in London, where he excelled in restoration projects, including the decoration and refurbishment of wooden architectural elements for The Wardrobe and The Trumpets buildings within the Richmond Palace ensemble, constructed during the Tudor dynasty.

Driven by a passion for material chemistry, surface aesthetics, and artistic forms, and enriched by experience from extensive projects both in Romania and abroad, Daniel decided in 2012 to deepen his expertise in sculpture. He pursued a Master’s degree at the Faculty of Visual Arts and Design, University of Arts "George Enescu" in Iași. This academic journey led him to discover ceramics as a new medium for expressing his personal creativity.

The artistic approach at Firekultur is defined by a fascination with the transformative potential of materials and a deep exploration of textures and forms. Ceramics become a versatile medium for crafting unique, evocative pieces that transcend mere functionality. In his monumental compositions, the artist embraces geometric simplicity paired with a captivating chromatic spectacle. His object installations and furniture designs take on a massive, brutalist sculptural expression, while volcanic, rugged glazes—developed through a decade of research—cloak the forms, lending them an original and striking character.

Notable examples of his collaborative, monumental public projects can be found in various locations, showcasing Romania’s vibrant cultural scene. These artistic interventions include: Cin Cin Restaurant and Oscar in Iași, Sandru Office building, Iași International Airport, and Pot Stories Restaurant in Bucharest.

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