4 group exhibitions consisting of 110 Artworks exclusively made for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by a total of 20 artists from Kazakhstan, Gagauzia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan opened by Minister of Labor and Social Security Dr. Faiz Sucuoğlu
Date Added: 20 December 2019, 16:19
Last Updated Date:17 November 2020, 16:25

4 group exhibitions consisting of 20 works by Kazakh artists Lidiya Drozdova, Tokbay Kusherbayev, Igor Gushchin, and Malik Jumagulov, 20 works by Gagauzian artists Svetlana Panaitova, Anastasia Racovcena and Grigori Decev, 50 works by Uzbekistani artists Aranshy Sharzhanov, Asliddin Isaev, Nortoylok Diyarov, Shavkatbek Mamatkarimov, Zoir Meiev, Kuralbek Kossuakov, Rikhsitulla Akramov, Lyubov Tiora, and Nuriddin Isaev, 20 works by Tajikistan artists Ilyos Mamadzhanov, Umed Ahmadov, Anvarsho Sayfudinov, and Daler Mikhtodzhov, in total 110 artworks which have all been exclusively made for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by a total of 20 artists was opened by Minister of Labor and Social Security Dr. Faiz Sucuoğlu.

At the opening of the exhibition, the Vice-Rector of the Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Anastasia Racovcena on behalf of Gagauzia artists, Daler Mikhtodzhov on behalf of Tajikistan Artists, Lyubov Tiora on behalf of Uzbekistani Artists, Igor Gushchin on behalf of Kazakhstan Artists and Minister of Labor and Social Security Dr. Faiz Sucuoğlu made a speech each.

Near East University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated in his opening remarks that Near East University has been working undaunted to achieve the goals set for education, science, art and innovation.

Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ shared some information from the Near East University's Academic Activity Report recently presented to YÖDAK and continued as follows; “Financial support was provided to 1492 publications and 300 scientific studies 120 of which were completed in 2018 Academic Year"

"In 2018 academic year, a total of 1238 academic staff, 192 professors, 137 associate professors, 318 assistant professors, 455 lecturers and 136 research assistants served at our university. Our academic staff participated in 1773 scientific activities and our academic units organized a total of 665 scientific activities. A total of 1492 publications, of which 795 scanned in Web of Science, 774 in Scopus and 292 in other international databases, were published on behalf of our university. Our university has provided financial support to a total of 300 scientific research projects, including 120 completed and 180 ongoing projects. Our academic staff also has a total of 17 scientific research projects supported by TUBİTAK resources. Of the 66 scientific research projects supported by other sources, 17 were completed in 2018 academic year and 49 are still ongoing.

”The concepts of “Turkish World is Awakening”, “Turkish Renaissance” and "Crazy Turkish Cypriots” are echoing in the world..."
Prof. Şanlıdağ continued his speech saying "With the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts Project, Asia was connected to the Mediterranean with art, which is the most important element that enables cultures to flourish. We are building an “ART BRIDGE" in Northern Cyprus in cooperation with Turkic Republics and related communities. Thanks to this project, we witness many things and discuss many things, and together we learn many things. There are important topics that the artists, you and us talk about and discuss about the project. These titles will undoubtedly be filled in throughout time and each will be evaluated with special importance. The first is that the concept of “Turkish World is Awakening", which is expressed intensely among the artists, has echoed all over the world. Another is the concept of the “Turkish Renaissance" used by Azeri artists in the opening of their solo exhibitions a few months ago, and I think, it will take place over time. Another is the concept of "Crazy Turkish Cypriots", which you mentioned at the opening of the exhibition on Wednesday.”

Anastasia Racovcena; "Artists call the art atmosphere you have established "a fairy tale or paradise"
Anastasia Racovcena, speaking on behalf of Gagauzian artists; “First of all, on behalf of all the Gagauz artists, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel. The artists who are brush masters call the atmosphere you have created here a fairy tale or paradise, but at the same time we perceive it as a kind of challenge: can we be better? This breaks down all the clichés and foundations, we have begun to use techniques that we didn't know before, and we have rediscovered our own skills. The perception of canvas size is changing here. In such an atmosphere full of creativity, new ideas emerge, something very exciting, something that motivates new discoveries. I think our works will add the colors and tuning of Gagauzia to the treasury of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art."

Daler Mikhtodzhov; “The island of Cyprus gave us a feeling of comfort and home”
On behalf of the artists of Tajikistan, Daler Mikhtodzhov said "We are honored to be among the artists who participated in this symposium from many corners of the world and we are grateful for the opportunity to experience such moments. Just like Tajikistan, the warm, sunny island of Cyprus has given us a feeling of comfort and home. Every day we spend in your land we have had the opportunity to touch your history, culture, and people. We gathered all the moments like pearls and worked on our works with their inspiration."

"Dr. Suat Günsel, the noble son of your motherland, your interest and respect for art and history are proofs of your dedication to your motherland."
Artist Mikhtodzhov also said "Dr. Suat Günsel, the noble son of your motherland, your interest and respect for art and history are proof of your dedication to your motherland. As artists, I would like to say that we are very happy with the project, the interest shown us and the opportunities provided for us. On behalf of the artists from Tajikistan, we would like to express our gratitude to you and your entire team for the warm welcome."

Lyubov Tiora; "While living in a multi-polar world, the Turkic world should speak with one voice ”
Speaking on behalf of the artists of Uzbekistan, Lyubov Tiora said "Thank you for sharing this moment with us with the initiative of Dr. Suat Günsel. On behalf of the artists of Uzbekistan and myself, let me say that we are grateful for the opportunity provided us in order to be on your land, to create art and to be a part of this magnificent art project. It is a separate pride for us to work under the roof of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art and leave a mark here. We hope that our life experiences, thoughts and hearts will touch every human being through our works. Dear Dr. Günsel, we are very confident that the ties and cooperation between our countries and peoples will be strengthened through art. The general mission of art is to unite countries, peoples, and civilizations and introduce them to each other. On the other hand, art answer the questions “Who are we? Where are we? What do we live for? ” While living in a multi-polar world, the Turkish world should speak with one voice. The artist is not a problem solver, he just moves into the light. No one can change the direction of this movement, but it is possible to control how it works. The soul, consciousness, and heart of an artist synthesizes experience and knowledge, reality and speculation, life and imagination, and ensures that the hearts do not go out and the inner dialectic of man. The artist loves life, cares about friendship and is dedicated to art. Because that art lives in the soul of the artist, the artist is a man of romance, an idol. And the artist is so lucky that he meets a person like you on his way. Future generations will certainly not forget that.”

Igor Gushchin; "Mr. Günsel, you are the only person I know who has succeeded in creating such a paradise for thousands of artists, and has enabled the whole humanity to raise the culture of civilization to higher levels”
Speaking on behalf of the artists of Kazakhstan, Igor Gushchin, started his words by thanking Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel for establishing a true paradise for the artists on the fertile island of Cyprus. Gushchin said, "For us, you are a magician. I am sure that all artists agree with me, that each of us has dreamed of staying away from daily problems, housework, worries in life, and even surrendering ourselves to the canvas, even for just one day. Dr. Suat Günsel, you are the only person I know who managed to create such a paradise for thousands of artists, understands the importance of the development of art in human society, and increases the awareness of civilization, spirituality, and culture of civilization to higher levels in the name of all humanity! We sincerely thank you for offering us the chance to deal with art without thinking about anything else. I wish you health and eternal light of your Cyprus Modern Art Museum project.”

Minister Sucuoğlu; "While listening to the artists, the content has started to go beyond painting"
Minister of Labor and Social Security Faiz Sucuoğlu said that the quality of painting increases with each passing day and that the content of the artists' speeches is also changing.

Minister Sucuoğlu; “When I first came here a long time ago, I told Suat Hoca the following; “This will not end like this, you have taken a flag, you have to take this flag to future.” My heart wishes to use the Turkish language as our common language as our races, religions are the same. Of course, this art, what we call "renaissance", which deserves to be referred to as a Turkish renaissance, may be is a beginning. Because, while listening to the artists, the content began to go beyond painting. There is the opportunity that our Suat Hoca has provided, and he provided great opportunities for the artists who come here."

Minister Sucuoğlu also mentioned the importance of the environment; " If our country had been such a foggy, cold country, perhaps the colors reflected in these paintings would have been expressed a little differently. The sun, the green, the deep blue sky make our country the most beautiful country in the world and create a motivation for the artists. We also see the kind but firm competition among the artists. This is important, everybody is trying to do his best, and we see this very clearly in the paintings they have made."

"We are going towards the establishment of a mighty museum in the world, not in the region”
Dr. Sucuoğlu; “Very nice paintings. We are going towards the establishment of a mighty museum in the world, not in the region, and we are obviously in front of the museums in this direction. What has been done so far is an indication that it will continue in the future. Artists do great things here. They make a great contribution to us. Near East University is ambitious in every subject and I do express this in every platform. An ambitious university in health, art, and education. If it continues to do so in painting, it will have a worldwide claim. I wish Suat Hoca health, prosperity and energy to continue increasing this cultural investment and I wish all the artists happiness."

The artists were presented with certificates of gratitude, and the exhibition ribbons were cut.
After the speeches, Minister of Labor and Social Security Dr. Faiz Sucuoğlu presented the certificates of appreciation to Gagauzya Artists Anastasia Racovcena, Svetlana Panaitova, Grigori Decev, Tajikistan artists Daler Mikhtodzhov, Anvarsho Sayfudinov, Ilyos Mamadzhanov, Umed Ahmadov, Shavkatbek Mamatkarimov, Nuriddin Isaev, and Kazakhstan Artists Igor Gushchin, Lidiya Drozdova, Tokbay Kusherbayev, and Malik Jumagulov. The exhibitions can be visited in the exhibition hall of Atatürk Culture and Congress Center at Near East University between 08.00-16.00 hours on weekdays until 03 January 2020.