Artist Elif Varol Ergen’s solo exhibition dedicated to women, “Unseen Daughters”, opened at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall with the participation of President Ersin Tatar.
“Unseen Daughters”, which meets art lovers as the 472nd exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, aims to make visible the female identities that are suppressed and rendered invisible within social structures. The exhibition, which includes 37 works produced with printmaking and illustration techniques, can be visited free of charge until May 30.
The opening speeches of the exhibition were made by President Ersin Tatar, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and artist Elif Varol Ergen. Following the speeches, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Elif Varol Ergen by President Ersin Tatar.
President Ersin Tatar: “We continue to be a part of the universal language of art by embracing our own values.”
President Ersin Tatar, who stated that “The art works carried out at the Near East University are not only momentary exhibitions; they also constitute a large cultural archive that will shed light on the future,” emphasized that they are excited about the center of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, which is expected to be completed within the Near East University campus, and said, “It will not only be a cultural and artistic venue; it will also be an important structure symbolizing the sovereignty and desire for freedom of the Turkish Cypriot people.”
President Ersin Tatar, who stated that they value art, culture and artists as the TRNC, said, “Despite all the embargoes we experience, we express ourselves through the language of art and culture; we continue to be a part of the universal language of art by protecting our own values. Joint works carried out with international artists also strengthen this universal language and make the inclusive aspect of contemporary art more visible.”
Stating that the new TRNC Presidential Campus will be opened with the participation of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Ersin Tatar emphasized that this opening is a historic step symbolizing the sovereignty, existence and loyalty of the Turkish Cypriot people to their state.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “We will witness not only a visual richness but also an intellectual confrontation with this exhibition,.”
Stating that art is more than just something beautiful or aesthetic, it is a powerful form of expression that brings to the agenda important issues regarding social issues, especially women, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “We will witness not only a visual richness; but also an intellectual confrontation with this exhibition.”
“The 37 prints and illustrations in the exhibition shed light on representations of women that have been left in the dark, creating a strong field of questioning extending from mythological figures to today’s society.” said Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, adding; “These narratives, extending from Eve who was expelled from heaven to Lilith who chose separation of her own free will, revive the repressed aspects of female identity in individual and collective memory, and make the invisible visible.” Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ reminded that with this exhibition, they opened the 472nd exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, and said, “I would like to thank the esteemed artist Elif Varol Ergen who brought us together with this meaningful exhibition. I would like to express our gratitude for all the ‘invisible daughters’ she made visible with her art.”
Elif Varol Ergen: “Art takes root, develops and lives in places where it is valued and embraced.”
Artist Elif Varol Ergen started her speech by saying “It is a great honor for me to come together with you here today .Art takes root, develops and lives in places where it is valued and embraced. Thus, institutions that open space for art and artists are not only hosts, they are also the most valuable structures that ensure the continuity of art and carry it from generation to generation. With this mission, Near East University enables art to live, develop and connect with society. Thanks to such institutions, art is not only an individual expression, it becomes a part of our collective memory, a common cultural heritage.”
Artist Elif Varol Ergen, who stated that the works brought together in the exhibition were her works between 2012 and 2024, said that the works were shaped around women’s rights, female figures in mythology, feminist traces in ancient times and themes inspired by goddesses. Elif Varol Ergen also said, “I would like to thank everyone who gave me this opportunity, especially Near East University, and I wish everyone a pleasant and inspiring exhibition experience.”
