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The collection of photographs taken by Silviu Bocaniciu Sr. and preserved by his son in the family archive is an important source of information for the modern and contemporary history of Ro\u0219ia Montan\u0103. They witness a time when its inhabitants\u2019 life still followed its historical rhythm, in line with the traditional millennial mining activity. It was a time when mining was carried out with simple tools, horses, as well as wooden machinery powered by water. They document a site protected by mountains, carrying the remnants of historical mining works from Roman, medieval or modern eras. A traditional small mining town dotted by urban features \u2013 casinos, banks, insurance companies or stores with Western merchandise \u2013 with a central square animated by fairs, marching bands or famous artists.<\/span><\/p>\n Although it was built as a family archive, comprising a rich inventory of images of family members, the photographs are framed by amateur photographer Silviu Bocaniciu Sr. in the lively setting of the historical town. The artificial lake installations, the stamp mills, the facades of historical buildings, the ancient mining works, they are all a constant appearance in Silviu Bocaniciu\u2019s photographs.<\/span><\/p>\n When the subjects of the photographs are the very buildings, mining works or the town\u2019s built landscape, Silviu Bocaniciu Sr. focuses on the significant details, as only a knowledgeable local can. We can thus better understand the local specificities, from the dominant white of the facades, the scale-shaped shingles of the imposing baroque roofs, the church towers, the urban ornaments of the facades in the town centre, the traditional industrial areas at the periphery, the artificial lakes\u2019 control towers or the gold extraction areas.<\/span><\/p>\n The photographer\u2019s systematic recording of the essential details of the mining and built landscapes allows us today to grasp some of the elements destroyed during the communist period: the Ajtay Palace, demolished and replaced by a building of flats; the mining sites of Cetate Massif, dating from antiquity, medieval or modern times, which were blown up with dynamite; or the series of stamp mills which were closed starting with the nationalization in 1948, to name some of the most striking.<\/span><\/p>\n The documentary value of the photographs is enhanced by the author\u2019s son, Silviu Bocaniciu Jr. who complements them with stories about the community\u2019s life \u2013 its beliefs, legends, daily life or important community events. Last but not least, a foreword to the album belongs to Silviu Bocaniciu Jr., entrusting to its readers to preserve Ro\u0219ia Montan\u0103 as it was inherited.<\/span><\/p>\n The Bocaniciu\u2019s family archive was discovered by chance in 2013 by Laura Turdean, who then collected the photographs and carried out the interviews with Silviu Bocaniciu Jr. ARA Association showcased them the same year at Ro\u0219ia Montan\u0103, prompting the family\u2019s return to its native village. The photographs were subsequently exhibited in February 2019 at the National Peasant Museum in Bucharest, part of the series of events dedicated to Ro\u0219ia Montan\u0103 Day. The album was released in Rosia Montan\u0103 in august 2019, as part of the Heritage Days events organised here every year by the ARA Association.<\/span><\/p>\n We would like to thank the Bocaniciu family for their support and especially Mr. Silviu Bocaniciu Jr. for his openness, participation and the stories he brings to light.<\/span><\/p>\n _______________________<\/span><\/p>\n ARA Publishing<\/b><\/a> 2019<\/b>
\n<\/b>Editors: Claudia Apostol, Virgil Apostol<\/span>
\n<\/span>Documentation: Laura Turdean<\/span>
\n<\/span>Translation: Gabriela T\u00eerlie, Cristina Laz\u0103r<\/span>
\n<\/span>Graphic Design and DTP: Ioana Suceava, Carmen-Ligia Poar\u0103<\/span>
\n<\/span>Printed by: Pro Editur\u0103 \u0219i Tipografie, Bucure\u0219ti<\/span>
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