The “Fine Arts May Exhibition”, which brings together art lovers with 50 original works consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, printmaking and stained glass, was opened by President of National Council Ziya Öztürkler at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall.

The “Fine Arts May Exhibition”, exclusively made by the artist academics of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design and the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, met with art lovers at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall. The exhibition, which was opened by President of National Council Ziya Öztürkler, attracted attention with its rich content and artistic diversity.

The exhibition, which can be visited free of charge until July 23, brings together 50 works consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and printmaking. The exhibition also has the distinction of being the 474th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts.

The opening speeches of the exhibition, which attracted great interest from art lovers, were made by President of National Council Ziya Öztürkler, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç.

Ziya Öztürkler: “I completed my entire education life from undergraduate to doctorate at Near East University. That’s why I feel at home here.”
Ziya Öztürkler, who said that he felt at home on the Near East University campus, added, “I completed my entire education life from undergraduate to doctorate at Near East University. That’s why I feel at home every time I come here.” Addressing the artists by saying “I would like to thank you all for bringing together precious works that contribute to the development of art and are often impossible to discover. I wholeheartedly congratulate everyone who contributed to this exhibition that reflects the cultural richness of these lands.”

Öztürkler, also referring to the Founding Rector of Near East University Suat Günsel’s vision and foresight, said, “Dr. Suat Günsel is a very important name who has made pioneering efforts in many areas from architecture to education, science to art for the future of the Turkish Cypriot people and has put forward great visions. The achievements of the Near East University today shape not only today but also our future.”

Ziya Öztürkler thanked everyone who contributed by saying, “Each exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art reflects the spirit of art, creative expression and the inner world of the artist to us.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “I wholeheartedly believe that our exhibition will inspire our audience and open new artistic horizons.”

Starting his speech by expressing his great pleasure for the “Fine Arts May Exhibition” to meet with art lovers during the four-day graduation festival week of the university, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ emphasized that presenting scientific and artistic productions together during this special week reflects the multifaceted vision and academic diversity of Near East University.

“This exhibition we are opening today is not only an event that brings together 50 works of art. It is also a strong reflection of our academic productivity, aesthetic knowledge and cultural vision,” said Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, who also touched on the results of the Times Higher Education ‘2025 World Universities Impact Ranking’ announced in Istanbul last week. “Near East University ranked 43rd worldwide among 2,318 universities. We became the 13th most influential university in the world in the ‘Quality Education’ category and the 15th most influential university in the world in the ‘Sustainable Cities and Societies’ category,” said Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, adding, “The exhibition we are opening here today and the art-loving spirit that fills this hall clearly demonstrate how this vision came to life at Near East University. I wholeheartedly believe that our exhibition will inspire our audience and open new artistic horizons.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “Artists must be patient and determined like water for the world to be a better place.”
Emphasizing that artists carry a responsibility towards the world with the talent they possess, Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “Artists are responsible for the existence of the world we live in and for it to be a better place. They must be brave, determined, determined and patient like water while fulfilling this responsibility.”

Emphasizing that artists must be brave, determined and patient during this process, Prof. Dr. Aygenç also touched on the meaning of the phrase ‘be like water’, which is frequently used in our culture. Emphasizing that patience and continuity are among the most basic characteristics of an artist, Prof. Dr. Aygenç said, “It is not the force of the water that breaks the rock, but the continuity of the drops. This is patience. Patience is the reward of effort with continuity.”
Continuing his speech, Prof. Dr. Aygenç drew attention to the intensity of exhibitions organized by the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design throughout the year and said, “Our faculty’s artist faculty members organize a group exhibition every month without compromising on quality. There is no other institution in the world that produces with such intensity. Thus, the efforts of all my friends are above all kinds of awards.”