The Exhibition of 35 Art Pieces especially prepared for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by the 15 Artists from Balkan Countries titled as “International Art Residence Exhibition” has been opened by Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu…
Date Added: 15 May 2019, 08:26
Last Updated Date:19 November 2020, 09:09

It was revealed that 15 artists from Turkey, Macedonia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Albania, Syria, Kirghizstan and Kosovo prepared 35 art pieces for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts and titled as “International Art Residence Exhibition” the exhibition of these pieces was opened by Minister of Tourism and Environment, Fikri Ataoğlu.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, the opening ceremony of the exhibition was held in Atatürk Culture and Congress Centre Exhibition Hall and the ceremony was held with the presence of Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu alongside, Founding Rector of Near East University Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel, Deputy Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Tümer Garip, Representative of National Unity Party Ahmet Savaşan, General Director of Near East Bank Selami Kaçamak, Vice Rectors, Deans, Head of Institutes, Academic Staff, guests and art lovers.

In addition to the above, it was stated that Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Ümit Hassan, on behalf of the Balkan Artists Refki Gollopeni, on behalf of the artists from Turkey, Department of Art Teaching of Faculty of Fine Arts of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Orkun Müftüoğlu and Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu each made a speech at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Prof. Dr. Hassan: “Cyprus Modern Arts Museum is hosting a major accumulation of art…”
In his speech, Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Ümit Hassan began his words by stating that light was one of the basic elements of painting and he emphasised that it was a beautiful day since they were together with invaluable artists.

Prof. Dr. Hassan expressed that the International Art Residence Exhibition was a medium which tied today to our past as the art pieces were prepared by artists who have rich historical backgrounds. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Hassan, stressed that they were pleased to see the artists of the countries where their contacts and our cultural structure are registered in history on overlapping floors.


“This exhibition is a full masterpiece show …”
Prof. Dr. Hassan stated that the exhibition had a variety of different pieces, such that it was possible to see figurative work among the pieces synthesizing abstract notions and colours of abstractions. He said that as masters of perspective, the artists strongly influenced art-lovers through their work. He added that the art pieces of the exhibition will later add value to the inventory of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. He stated that expert compositions of social accumulations, abstractions arising from drawing and colour, emphasizing the inner meaning of the city's expressions in the city drawings, and successful compositions of the human-female figure are reflected via the pieces of the exhibition. In addition to his thoughts and views regarding the art pieces exhibited Prof. Dr. Ümit Hassan stated that the strong structure of the Near East University formed by science, education and health equipment will be in line with international values.

Refki Gollopeni: “We are honoured and very happy to have prepared artwork for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts…”
Speaking on behalf of the Balkan Artists Refki Gollopeni started his words by stating that he was very proud to be making a speech on behalf of artists from Balkan countries Bosnia Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. Refki Gollopeni added that they had a splendid time working together and all together they were honoured and very happy to have prepared artwork for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. Moreover, he stated that during their stay they were delighted to communicate about culture and art and to see that Cyprus has a wonderful cultural heritage with its history. He said that on behalf of the from Balkan countries, he wanted to thank Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel for bringing the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts to life. He said that during their stay they had met with friendly and warm hosts and he also thanked all fellow artist for their work. Furthermore, he said that he would also like to thank Hasan Zeybeğe for always being with them during their stay.

Prof. Dr. Müftüoğlu: “Cyprus Modern Art Museum will fill a significant gap in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus…”
Speaking on behalf of the Artists from Turkey, Head of Department of Art Teaching of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Orkun Müftüoğlu placed emphasis on the significance of art. Prof. Dr. Müftüoğlu added that in the broadest sense, art meant a state, a line, a shade, a colour. He added that together with these, it meant an idea, thought, concept and meaning. It is the embodiment of the subjective infinite possibilities of emotion and expression created by these phenomena Prof. Dr. Müftüoğlu stated that Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts will definitely be filling a significant gap in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and added that they had worked with the awareness of this significance. Moreover, he said that on behalf of both himself and all artist involved, he wished to thank Suat İrfan Günsel and all Near East University members for organizing such an event and for their value in art.


Minister of Tourism and Environment Ataoğlu: “Near East University reminds us the significance of art…”
Minister of Tourism and Environment Ataoğlu stated that he was very happy to be at a place where art is valued and added that the Near East family that reminded everyone of the importance of art with a different exhibition every week. Furthermore, he expressed that thanks to the Near East Family, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus became aware of the importance of art and the artist. Therefore, he thanked the Near East family and the artists for all their efforts regarding art and expressed happiness due to hosting artists who enriched the richness of our country.

The opening ribbon was cut…
Subsequent to the speeches made, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Fikri Ataoğlu presented certificate of appreciation to all the artists who contributed to the exhibition, then the opening ribbon was cut. It was revealed that the exhibition that reflects the different schools of painters with their own unique style and artistic insights will be available to visit until 23rd May 2019 during 08.00-16.00 on weekdays.