Zühre Özkaraman’s exhibition, “Games of My Memory,” which opened at the İrfan Günsel Congress Center, reflects the cultural memory of Cyprus and the artist’s inner journey.

Two significant ceremonies, where science and art meet, were held consecutively at Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world. 40 academicians who were granted academic promotions in 2025 received their certificates at a ceremony held at the İrfan Günsel Congress Center, followed by the opening of Cypriot artist Zühre Özkaraman’s “Games of My Memory” exhibition.

“Games of My Memory,” which is the 481st exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, consists of original works reflecting the strong connection the artist establishes between nature, memory, and emotions. The exhibition, featuring 23 works created using acrylic paint on canvas, clearly reveals traces unique to Cypriot culture.

The artist’s works, which reflect his inner world and life experiences on canvas, question the connections established between the past and the present, inviting the viewer on a journey through the layers of memory. The exhibition features the artist’s works titled “Reeds”, “Aphrodite”, “Olive”, “Champions – February 6”, “Venice”, “Lemon”, “Gavcar”, “Mouflon”, and “Door.” In “Aphrodite”, the artist depicts strong and free women, while “Olive” portrays the process of rebirth. “Door” illustrates the connection between the past and the present, and “Reeds” conveys the message of the need for strength through unity. In “Champions – February 6”, the artist draws attention to solidarity after a great tragedy, the loss, and the importance of a collective memory that should not be forgotten.

The opening speeches of the exhibition, which saw a large turnout, were given by the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, and the artist Zühre Özkaraman. Following the speeches, a bust of Zühre Özkaraman, made by artists from the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, was unveiled by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel. The exhibition was opened by Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel and Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ together with the artist. It can be visited free of charge until May 8th.

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Science teaches us to understand the world; art teaches us to understand ourselves within that world!”

In his opening speech, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, noting that they were experiencing a day where art and science met on common ground, said, “Art, just like science, is an effort to make the invisible visible. Science progresses with questions, while art often progresses with the traces those questions leave within us. Zühre Özkaraman’s exhibition, the “Games of My Memory,” is precisely about following these traces.”

“What we call memory; “It’s not a linear record, but a fragmented, layered, and often reconstructed story.” said Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, adding that the works in the exhibition reflect not just a memory, but a re-imagined version of that memory in the artist’s mind.

Stating that art is one of the deepest ways of constructing meaning, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ drew attention to the multi-layered nature of art by saying, “The artist transfers not only what he sees, but also what he feels, remembers, and even what he has forgotten onto the canvas.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ noted that art and science have a strong connection based on discipline, patience, and questioning, emphasizing that as a university, they embrace art with the same determination as science. “Science teaches us to understand the world; “Art is about finding ourselves within that world.” said Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, adding that the accumulated knowledge of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts demonstrates the continuity of cultural construction. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “I thank our esteemed artist Zühre Özkaraman for bringing us together with this meaningful exhibition, and I hope that the works will create new meanings and new memories for each visitor.”

Zühre Özkaraman: “To exist with my works in my own geography carries a much deeper meaning for me.”

Artist Zühre Özkaraman, drawing attention to the fact that art is a powerful field of expression that carries both individual and social memory, said, “Art is the most effective way for a person to make sense of themselves, the geography they live in, and the time they live in.” Stating that a society’s embrace of art means embracing its own future, Özkaraman expressed her appreciation for Near East University’s efforts to connect art with museum culture.

“To exist with my works in my own geography carries a much deeper meaning for me.” said Zühre Özkaraman, adding, “For me, painting is more of an ongoing journey than a finished result. In my works, I have tried to bring the memory of Cyprus, my childhood memories, and the layered structure of life to the viewer. I would like to thank everyone who contributed, supported, and stood by me.” Özkaraman also thanked Feray Atamert, the Literature Teacher who wrote the special texts prepared for the works in the exhibition.

Who is Zühre Özkaraman?

Zühre Özkaraman is an artist and educator born in Famagusta. She graduated from the Painting Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dokuz Eylül University in 1994 and completed her Master’s degree in Pedagogical Formation at the Atatürk Teacher Training Academy in 2007. From 1995 to 2025, she worked as a painting teacher at Famagusta Turkish Maarif College, and also played an active role in the establishment and management processes of many non-governmental organizations and associations.

The artist has presented her works in a wide geographical area, from Turkey to Albania, Senegal, Jordan, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia, through solo and group exhibitions. She has also served as a curator and jury member in national and international art competitions, participated in the UNDP-ACT (ART ATTACK) and Peace Wall projects, and organized and curated the Famagusta International Art Workshop for many years. Özkaraman, who continues her workshop activities with the “Blue Brush Art House” that she founded in 2009, brings the works produced to art lovers through the exhibitions she organizes.