The "Ukrainian Artists Exhibition, which consists of 40 artworks that prepared specially for Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by 10 Ukrainian painters, was opened by Cemal Özyigit, National Education and Culture Minister.
The Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of Near East University released that the opening ceremony was realized at the Exhibition Hall of Near East University Hospital with the participation of National Education and Culture Minister Cemal Özyiğit, NEU Founding Rector Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel, NEU Board of Trustees Chairman Associate Professor İrfan Suat Günsel, vice rectors, deans, academicians, guests and art lovers.
The opening remarks of the exhibition were respectively delivered by NEU vice Rector Professor Fahreddin Sadıkoğlu, Ukrainian Painter Olena Dorosh on behalf of the Ukrainian artists, and National Education and Culture Minister Cemal Ozyiğit.
Prof. Dr. Sadıkoğlu: "Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts will function as an Educational, Research and Learning Center..."
Beginning his remarks by extending his appreciations to the Ukrainian artists for their unique contribution to Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, Professor Sadıkoğlu stated that the exhibition featured 40 paintings that prepared specially for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by 10 talented Ukrainian artists. Highlighting that more than ten exhibitions are currently on display within the University campus, Professor Sadıkoglu stated that Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts had realized her 21st exhibition with the group exhibition of the Ukrainian artists.
Indicating that the common characteristic of all exhibitions held by the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts so far was that all of them featured the artworks created by Turkic World artists, Professor Sadıkoğlu stated that the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts had the mission of not only preserving, documenting and exhibiting artworks belonging to Turkic artists but also exploiting its potential as a learning place with regard to education, research and lifelong learning.
We need to know and learn about our historical, cultural and artistic values before setting out to shape the future of our country. Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts will be a common ground for all Turkic world artists to exhibit their artworks. With this in mind, we have organized 21 exhibitions so far. All of them feature artworks created by very talented artists from different Turkic republics and communities. The overriding aim of all exhibitions held so far was to provide opportunity for art lovers and visitors to learn about different ecoles. Art has a great importance for arousing the emotions, healing the human spirit and spurring actions that motivate further learning and thinking" noted he.
"At the opening of an exhibition of the world-famous painter Pablo Picasso, a visitor told Picasso that he saw a picture labeled fish but he could not see the fish in the picture. Picasso held the visitor's hand and approached the picture. Then he told the visitor that he was right, it was not fish but it was a painting of fish adding that anything that did not look like real in an abstract painting could be an abstract representation of something real. It is possible to make the same picture by using eight different types of art of painting. Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts will serve not only as a place for exhibitions but also as a center of education, research and learning. In this regard, we invite artists from Europe and other countries across the world to TRNC and Near East University in order to enhance our collection with artworks reflecting diversity and different ecoles of art across the globe. Art is the reflection of imaginations, emotions, thoughts and creativeness rather than pure realism. Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts will be a place of research and learning that harvests and marshals the enormous diversity and alternative visions of art” said he.
Stating that the works of Ukrainian artists were different from the artworks of other countries' artists, Professor Sadıkoğlu noted that the painters were generally inspired by Moscow ecole, Saint Petersburg Academy of Art and European art of painting ecoles. He ended his remarks by saying: "Ukrainian artists do not draw realism, they paint what they think and imagine. It moves away from classical realism and comes to modern realism. It is possible to see both postmodern realism and futurism. They create aesthetics and beauty by using dark colors rather than bright colors. Most of the painters taking part in the exhibition are on the lists of Ukrainian and European painters".
"We are grateful of Having the Opportunity to Touch the Rich History of Cyprus..."
On behalf of the Ukrainian artists, Olena Dorosh extended their appreciations of having the opportunity to be a part of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. "During our stay in North Cyprus, we felt ourselves at home as if we had been with family members. Thank you for all the sincerity and hospitability. Inhaling the air of this land motivated us to work efficiently. We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to touch the rich and interesting history of Cyprus. As we are leaving this beautiful land, we are leaving a piece of our hearts here and taking with us the beautiful memories, the love for people and the unending positive spirit" said she.
Minister Özyiğit: "I Would Like to Thank the Near East Family for Conveying Different Perspectives to Our Country..."
Expressing the happiness of being together again via a significant event at the Near East University, National Education and Culture Minister Cemal Özyiğit stated that Near East Family continues to add a newness to our country with each passing day.
Touching upon that a continuous productivity had come forefront, Minister Özyiğit said that producing befitted the Turkish community. The steps grounding on the mission of carrying the Turkish Cypriot Community to the contemporary and brighter future are very important for us. Previously, an exhibition process featuring artworks from Eastern parts of Asia, Azerbaijan, Tatarstan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was experienced. Now, a process extending from the eastern parts to western parts of Asia is being observed. Each different region of each country is the mirror reflecting the society and the cultural fabric of the society. We also see touches on our country in different concepts and different perspectives. I would like to thank the Near East University for hosting all these significant events and adding color and vividness to social life through the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts” noted he.
Minister Özyiğit ended his remarks by saying: "For a better future, let's walk all together towards brighter tomorrows by fusing with art and artists".
Certificates of Appreciation were presented; the Exhibition Ribbon was cut...
Following the speeches, National Education and Culture Minister Cemal Özyiğit and NEU Board of Trustees Chairman Associate Professor İrfan Suat Günsel presented certificates of appreciation to the artists in recognition of their unique contributions to the exhibition. Then the exhibition opening ribbon was cut and the participants toured the exhibition.
The exhibition, which features artworks reflecting the history and modern life of Ukraine, is open from 10:00 to 12:00 on weekdays until April 23, 2019.
