Photography and Painting Artist Gazi Yüksel’s Photography Exhibition, which is composed of 100 Artworks and titled “Local Arts” was opened by President Mustafa Akıncı
Date Added: 05 April 2019, 10:37
Last Updated Date:19 November 2020, 11:54

The photography exhibition, which is titled as "Local Arts" and composed of 100 artworks created by Gazi Yücel, painter, photographer and instructor at the Faculty of Communication of Near East University, was opened by the President Mustafa Akıncı.

According to the info released by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of Near East University, the opening ceremony of "Local Arts" photography exhibition was held at the Exhibition Hall of Near East Secondary School with the attendance of TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı, NEU Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel, MP Hasan Taçoy, Center District Governor Ahmet Arslan, NEU Board of Trustees President Associate Professor Irfan Günsel, vice rectors, deans, faculty members and guests.

At the opening of the exhibition, Gazi Yüksel's biography was read, and then NEU vice Rector Prof. Dr. Fahreddin Sadıkoğlu and President Akıncı respectively delivered a speech.

The Artworks at the Exhibition depict the Nature of Cyprus and How the Events Affect the Nature...
Describing the exhibition as a work of magnificent visuals, Professor Sadıkoğlu said that the artworks at the exhibition depict the nature of Cyprus and how the events affect the nature. He added that the artist used the name "Local Arts" metaphorically for his exhibition. Underlining that the Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel, who is devoted himself to his country and people, first brought Near East University into effect to ensure quality and excellence in education. "Then, in order to provide our people with quality, safe, contemporary and affordable healthcare services, he brought the world brand Near East University Hospital into Effect. Finally, in order to open new horizons for his country through art and culture, he initiated the establishment of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. The Museum currently has a large e-collection of artworks ranging from China to France” noted he

Highlighting the crucial role of museums in promoting culture and art, Professor Sadıkoğlu delivered information about the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. “The third floor of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, the foundations of which were laid eight months ago and designed as a six floor building to be situated on 20 thousand square meters, is being constructed. Many artworks created by artists especially from Turkic speaking countries have already been added to the collection of the museum. These artworks are currently displayed at Cyprus Arts Center, which is a subsidiary of the Museum. Cyprus Museum of Arts, which will open its doors to public in 2020, will be not only a center exhibiting artworks but also a learning center where Turkic cultural and artistic values come alive. Besides, it will be a museum having great importance in terms of education and research. Constructing world-resounding works in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a good example of patriotism” said he.

Indicating that the University's Administrative Board had decided to give an award named "Alasya" in order to evaluate the works, which are currently included and to be included in the future in the collection of the museum, at international platform, Professor Sadıkoğlu stated that awards would be presented in different fields of arts within in the frame of "Alasya".

Professor Sadıkoğlu ended his remarks by underlining that the Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel had been making all his investments for ensuring a sustainable development and better future for his country and making his country's name known at international platforms through scientific, cultural and artistic activities.


President Akıncı: "It is happiness to be at the Near East University, which Values Art and Culture..."
Expressing his happiness of being at Near East University which values art by exerting effort and investing for art, President Mustafa Akıncı stated that the production of artworks and cultural assets was being witnessed.

Expressing that he had been at the University on various occasions many times, he stated that he attended the opening ceremony of Atatürk Culture and Congress Center (AKKM) on the campus in 1999 while he was the vice Prime Minister and shared with the Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel that the facility would be a great leaping point adding that it was happiness of seeing that the facility had hosted many events so far. "It hosts the theater festival in September every year. It hosts all kinds of congresses, conferences, and scientific and political events. It is a proud event that there are currently 9 different exhibitions on the university campus. The Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts is a sign of civilization" noted he.

Stating that he has a firm belief that an artist is an identity that sheds light on the society and tries to give direction to it, President Akıncı expressed his views: "The exhibition features Gazi Yüksel's artworks depicting the beauties of Cyprus nature. The exhibition will help us to understand the importance of conserving the nature, progressing in harmony with the environment and developing on a sustainable concept" said he.

"Interventions to Nature should be compatible and balanced... “
Indicating that the artworks created by Gazi Yüksel demonstrated that nature was an artwork on its own, President Akıncı stated that the exhibition was the result of the work trying to put fore forth that the nature was created as a work of art.

"In this regard, the exhibition was prepared with an aim of raising awareness about nature, natural beauties, and the need of compatible and balanced interventions when it comes to nature. The nature has a balance. We need to be compatible with this balance. If we disrupt this balance, great disasters will be inevitable. With an effort of earning more and more, the mankind led to greenhouse effect, global heating and pierced the ozone layer. The glaciers, which are a balance element, have begun to melt and we are face with floods and environmental disasters indicating climate change” noted he.

Touching upon the recent flood disasters in our country, President Akıncı said that we needed to take measures to prevent the repetition by focusing on the reasons. "With the ambition of earning more, we destroyed the stream beds and blocked the rainfall to flow in its own way and consequently the nature is punishing us. Whatever we do, we need to take steps in a manner that is compatible with the nature by being aware of the beauties and the balance of the nature" said he.

Emphasizing the importance of planning for the societies in achieving sucess, President Akıncı ended his remarks by stating that scientific data planning should be taken as basis for all steps to be covered in zoning, physical, tourism, health and educational fields.

Ibn al-Haytham Award was presented...
Following the speeches, within the scope of Alasya Award, which is an award given to the artsits whose works are exhibited at the museums of Near East University, Ibn al-Haytham Award, photography masters award, was presented to Gazi Yüksel by President Mustafa Akıncı and NEU Board of Trustees Chairman Associate Professor Irfan Suat Günsel.