Organized under the auspices of Near East University Founding Rector Dr. Suat İ. Günsel and Near East Bank, the Turkish Cypriot Painters Retrospective Exhibition II was opened to the interest of the art lovers.
The opening ceremony was realized at Near East University Hospital’s foyer with the participation of TRNC Parliamentary Chairman Teberrüken Uluçay, Near East University Founding Rector Dr. Suat İ. Günsel, Near East University Board of Trustees Chairman Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrfan S. Günsel, Near East University Rector Professor Ümit Hassan, the Exhibition Art Director and Curator Dr. Mustafa Hastürk, vice rectors, faculty members, painters and art lovers.
The exhibition features a rich collection of paintings of Turkish Cypriot painters and will be open to visit till May 3, 2018.
Dr. Hastürk: "Near East University has now undertaken a new mission to launch an art museum that is one of the most important deficits of our country"
In his opening remarks, Dr. Hastürk, the Art Director and Curator of the exhibition, underlined their commitment to exerting effort towards disseminating art to wider populations. "Despite a relatively short history of approximately 80 years, Turkish Cypriot painting art has created a precious accumulation. We realized 'Retrospective Exhibition I' before. Now, we are realizing the opening of the second one. The 'Turkish Cypriot Painters Retrospective Exhibition II' features over 40 works of the first and second generation Turkish Cypriot artists. Aiming at shedding light the whole process of Turkish Cypriot plastic arts, we will organize the third of these exhibitions. The artworks displayed or to be displayed in our exhibitions constitute a precious accumulation of plastic arts. Since its establishment, beside the education and health mission, Near East University, which has undertaken it as a mission to exert effort towards meeting the needs of our country by eliminating all shortcomings, has now undertaken a new mission to launch an art museum that is one of the most significant deficits of our country" said he.
Underlining NEU's devotion to continuing to realize great breakthroughs opening new horizons for our country, Dr. Hastürk went on his remarks: "Cyprus Turkish Painters Retrospective exhibitions constitute the first step of the process that started with the vision and initiative of our Founding Rector Dr. Suat İ. Günsel. The process will keep ongoing with other planned activities and publications. The architectural project of the museum has already been prepared. We are experiencing the pride of coming here with such good news on the eve of the World Art Day. The draft of the project is available here. We will provide you with more detailed information related to this issue in the coming process" noted he.
Dr. Hastürk: "It has been designed as the largest Fine Arts Museum of the Near Eastern Geography"
"Being aware that museums have a crucial role in preserving and reflecting the historical, cultural and artistic accumulation for all generations, Near East University attaches a special importance on museums to add vividness and color to social and cultural life. Aiming to add a new dimension to the culture and art life of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, our university has rolled up its sleeves to launch Near East University Art Museum. The museum with its spacious exhibition halls and dynamic museum applications will be the largest art museum of the Near Eastern Geography. The museum, which will be situated on 12000 square meter indoor area within the body of Near East University, will house a spacious foyer, 4 art collection rooms, a periodical exhibition hall and 3 sculpture restoration halls. The museum complex will also house conference halls, workshops for artistic events and technical needs, laboratories, a library to house world art and an archive room. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciations to the Founding Rector Dr. Suat İ. Günsel in recognition of his interest, contribution and unique support to this exhibition. I also extend my thanks to everyone who provided contribution to the exhibition and exhibition catalogue. And my greatest appreciation goes to you, my esteemed artist fellows. This exhibition wouldn't have been possible without you. Dear participants, I hope this step that we are taking together now will inspire more artistic events in our country. In advance, I congratulate your World Art Day and wish you to have nice time full of art" said he.
Uluçay: "To value art is one of the most important factors affecting the social development of countries; Art Museum was the surprise of the day. It's extremely gratifying for our country"
Addressing the attending body, TRNC Parliamentary Chairperson Teberrüken Uluçay shared his views: "Today, we are here to realize the opening of the exhibition that features the artworks of our very valuable artists. This is a significant event in terms of its objectives. As you know, to value art is one of the key factors affecting the development of countries. We are witnessing this here and sharing it all together. Therefore, I would like to thank all of our artists who have contributed to this exhibition. I would also like to extend my appreciations to Near East University for their support and contribution. I think, the good news regarding the establishment of an art museum was the surprise of the day. This is a very gratifying event for our country" said he.
