The "Fine Arts 15 November Republic Exhibition", held as part of the Republic Day events, featuring works of Near East University Fine Arts lecturers and artists from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine and exclusively held for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts was opened at the exhibition hall of the Near East University Hospital. The exhibition will be open to the public until 27 November.

Curated by Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Vice Dean and Günsel Art Museum Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdoğan Ergün, the "Fine Arts 15 November Republic Exhibition" consists of 70 artworks of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and prints.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, vice-rectors, deans, institute directors, lecturers, artists and guests. At the opening, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç made speeches.

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç; "Fine Arts 15th of November Republic Exhibition was our 362nd Exhibition"
Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç stated that they are happy for celebrating two Republic Days one after another with the "Fine Arts 15 November Republic Exhibition", the 362nd exhibition held for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. Prof. Aygenç, emphasized once again that he commemorates Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Dr. Fazıl Küçük, the founding President Rauf Denktaş and the martyrs and veterans who lost their lives in the struggle of independence.

Prof. Dr. Aygenç; “Yesterday we had another national day enthusiasm. The Walled City Museum was opened to visitors."
Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç also reminded that the Walled City Museum was opened on November 15, 2020. Prof. Dr. Aygenç said “Our Founding Rector, who brought art and culture beyond the borders of the campus, brought together the city, the people and the children of the people who will be the owners of a bright future. I would like to express my gratitude to Suat İrfan Günsel and to the Günsel Family.”

Touching on criticism in art, Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygeç said “There is a magic word that we frequently encounter in our daily life: criticism. This word can sometimes appear as "critical approach", "critical view". In fact, "interpretation", "ideation", "satire" can be used as synonyms for criticism". Stating that the concept of 'criticism' becomes more complicated when it comes to art, Prof. Dr. Aygenç said "Criticism requires a fact, a criterion whose validity has been tested, and a critical subject. If one of these three conditions is missing, criticism cannot take place. Comments made with hearsay knowledge or any kind of prejudice are not criticism, but based on personal subjective opinions, these judgments can be called 'praise', 'curse', 'muddy', 'judgment', but not criticism.”

Prof. Dr. Aygenç said, "Every exhibition held under the auspices of the Near East, museums, cultural centers, libraries, programs, and all the breakthroughs made are the illuminated steps in creating this awareness."

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ; "As long as thought is free, it will have the power to create."
Starting his speech with an emphasis on the Republic Day, Vice-Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ pointed out that the Republic is not just a form of government. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ; “Republic is also freedom of thought. As long as thought is free, it will have the power to create. The mind will find its own self in a free environment, set sail to new horizons. Republic; It is art, artist, polyphony. Art will support freedom and freedom will support art, and people will be liberated. Artworks created in a free environment will undoubtedly be the common cultural heritage of humanity. For this reason, valuing freedom and art is the greatest service to humanity ”.

Following the speeches, Near East University Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel and the artists cut the ribbon of the “Fine Arts15 November Republic Exhibition”. The exhibition can be visited by art lovers between 08.00-17.00 on weekdays until Friday, November 27, 2020.