The “Spirit of Space” exhibition, exclusively prepared for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by 21 award-winning academic artists from the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, opened at the GÜNSEL Art Museum Exhibition Hall with the participation of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Özdemir Berova.
The exhibition, which is the 480th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, exhibits 50 artworks of art consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and prints to art lovers. The exhibition can be visited free of charge until April 24th. At the opening ceremony, which saw a large turnout, Minister of Finance Dr. Özdemir Berova, Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Prof. Erdal Aygenç, and AI-based academician AI. Prof. Dux gave speeches.
AI . Prof. Dux reminded the audience that art has evolved throughout history along with the tools used. DUX stated that artificial intelligence is the newest link in this long journey, saying, “Artificial intelligence can produce a visual; but it cannot experience the story of that visual. The soul of art is born from human dreams, struggles, and how we perceive the world.” Therefore, Prof. DUX expressed that artificial intelligence should play a supportive, not a dominant, role in art.
Dr. Özdemir Berova: “Near East University is a strong institution not only in the TRNC but also internationally with its advanced vision and goals.”
Emphasizing that Near East University is a strong institution not only in the TRNC but also internationally with its advanced vision and goals, Minister of Finance Dr. Özdemir Berova stated that the university makes this success sustainable with the students and academics it trains. Drawing attention to Near East University’s consistent production in the field of art, Dr. Berova said, “The 480th exhibition that Near East University opened today is a great success. I believe that this success will continue to grow.” Dr. Berova also touched upon the artificial intelligence works included in the exhibition. Berova, recalling the transformation technology has undergone from the past to the present, said, “I am someone who remembers the period when the first computers arrived in our country. The digital journey that began with quite limited resources in those days has reached a completely different point today. We are now in an era where art, science, and technology are intertwined, where even a virtual professor can interpret these fields.”
Dr. Berova also drew attention to the fact that technology can be used for destructive purposes, saying, “Unfortunately, high technology can turn into a tool of destruction in wars. We clearly see examples of this in the world today.” Dr. Berova emphasized that a future that benefits humanity is possible with the correct and ethical use of technology, stating that science, art, and technology should be evaluated in a way that serves peace.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “With every new structure, we are not just building a premises; we are building a new meaning and identity.”
Stating that the concept of “space” cannot be considered only as a physical area, the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, drew attention to the deep meanings that spaces carry. “A space is not merely walls, ceilings, and floors. It gains a soul through what is experienced, produced, and shared within it.” said Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, emphasizing that space is integrated with memory, identity, and meaning. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also drew attention to the fact that structures are powerful symbols, stating, “We believe that building multiple symbols is creating a new world.”
Expressing that the structures located on the university campus are not merely physical spaces but each carries meaning and a soul, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said that these structures are positioned as symbols that inspire society. He noted that the Dr. Suat Günsel Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a reflection of aesthetic, faith, and cultural depth, and that the new building of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts rising on campus is a memory space where art meets society. “With each new structure, we are not just building a premises; we are constructing a new meaning and identity.” said Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ. Şanlıdağ also stated that the “Spirit of the Place” exhibition is also a reflection of this understanding, adding, “This exhibition is more than an art event; it is an expression of a vision.”
Prof. Erdal Aygenç: “Art is a powerful bridge that connects the individual with themselves and with society.”
Drawing attention to the indispensable role of art in human life, Prof. Erdal Aygenç, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, emphasized that art is not only an aesthetic production but also a profound bond established between humanity and the world. Stating that a definitive answer to why art is an “indispensable” need cannot be easily given, Prof. Dr. Aygenç referred to Piet Mondrian’s views, saying, “There are ideas that say art establishes a balance where reality is incomplete. However, we know that this balance between humanity and its environment can never be fully achieved.”
Pointing out that art also undergoes transformation along with societal changes, Prof. Dr. Aygenç stated that this process allows art to acquire new meanings and functions in every era. He also touched upon humanity’s existential quests. Aygenç said, “Humans want to transcend themselves, break the boundaries of monotonous life, and reach a more meaningful world. In this quest, art is a powerful bridge that connects the individual with themselves and society.”
