Consisting of 50 pieces of artworks that exclusively prepared for Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by a group of artists including 13 academician painters from Turkey and Selçuk Yalovalı, art teacher at Near East Primary School, the "Painting Exhibition of Turkish Artists" was opened by Hasan Taçoy, the Minister of Economy and Energy.
The Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of Near East University released that Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy, NEU Board of Trustees Chairman Associate Professor Irfan Günsel, UBP vice Secretary General Ahmet Savaşan, vice rectors, deans, faculty members, artists and guests participated in the opening ceremony of the exhibition held at the exhibition hall of the Faculty of Communication.
The opening remarks of the exhibition were delivered respectively by Professor Tamer Şanlıdağ, NEU vice Rector, Salih Yön, the Chairman of the Culture and Arts Working Group of Antalya City Council and Board member of Antalya Film Council, and Hasan Taçoy, the Minister of Economy and Energy.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: "The exhibition features artworks depicting imaginary and realistic approaches..."
Underlining the unifying force of art, Professor Şanlıdağ stated that artists from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tatarstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and other Turkic countries and communities held exhibitions at Near East University in the last eight months. Highlighting their commitment to continuing to host such distinguished exhibitions under the umbrella of Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, which will be a prominent place where solely Turkic art and culture comes alive, Professor Şanlıdağ states that Near East University spared no sacrifices to open new horizons for the country.
Professor Şanlıdağ extended his appreciations to the artists in recognition to their contribution to the exhibition and delivered further information. “In eight months, more than 50 exhibitions were held and 9 exhibition are currently open at different exhibition halls within the University campus. The exhibitions feature artworks depicting landscapes, portraits, historical places, nature and Istanbul themed paintings; all of which have been created by talented artists by using different techniques such as oil-painting, watercolor, acrylic and linocut printing. A large variety of landscape, nature morte, figurative and abstract works have been presented to the taste of the art lovers. While some works reflect the imaginary world of the artists, some of them reflect realistic approaches”.
Underlining that Near East University adopted an innovative education concept in visual arts, plastic arts, design, history, culture, Professor Şanlıdağ drew attention to the crucial role of art and modern museums in ensuring vividness in social life. "In this framework, Near East University has steered the wheel towards broadening the horizons of our country not only in the field of education, science and health but also in the field of history, art and culture. Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts Museum, Cyprus Natural History Museum, Cyprus Car Museum, Cyprus Turkish National History Museum, Maritime Museum, Herbarium Museum and Knife and Sword Museum are all the firsts that initiated by Near East University to achive this goal” said he.
Professor Şanlıdağ ended his remarks by underlining that Near East University, which adopts the 4th generation university model and aims at taking place amongst the top 500 prestigious universities of the world, has transformed all scientific data acquired through academic studies and research and development activities into the benefit of society.
The entire world will get to know North Cyprus thanks to the synergy of art and Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts...
In his opening remarks on behalf of the Turkish artists, the Chairman of the Culture and Arts Working Group of Antalya City Council and the Board member of Antalya Film Council, Salih Yön extended his appreciations to all the artists who contributed to Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts with their efforts and hearts. "I would also like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Near East University and Günsel Family for providing us with the opportunity to put a building block in this structure" noted he.
Stating that they were driven by the fact that science and art the only elements to enlighten individuals and societies, Yön gave examples from Confucius concise words.
"If the words to be said are not the words that are meant, the things to be done remain undone. If the things to be done remain undone, Morality and art fall behind. If morality and art fall behind, justice goes off. If the justice goes off, people experience confusion in the society".
Indicating that art is one of the basic criteria of a contemporary society and contributes to the progress of cities and people living in cities towards becoming a civilized society, Professor Yön highlights that art enables individuals to enhance their social and cultural perspectives and take part in the society as prudent, tolerant, conscious and sensitive individuals who are in peace with themselves and with the city they live in. “Art is also the most significant instrumental enabling a society to achieve a higher level of modernity and civilization. Art nestles love, tolerance and peace at its core. A society devoid of art and artists can’t have a full existence” said he.
"On behalf of the artists participated in the exhibition from Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, Antalya and Cyprus, I would like to express our gratitude to Near East University and Günsel Family for their devoted efforts to elevate Turkic art and culture. All the world will get to know the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus thanks to the synergy of Art and Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts" noted he.
Minister Taçoy: "Art is the greatest factor to introduce Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus…”
Expressing that he considers himself as a part of Near East University family because of his interest in arts, science and developments, Hasan Taçoy, the Minister of Economy and Energy, said that he was trying to get the full extend pleasure of the artistic activities that he had attended so far.
Highlighting that Günsel Family has made most of their dreams true, Minister Taçoy stated that the project regarding the establishment of Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, where solely Turkic art and culture would come alive, could be considered as the project of the era as it was aimed at making our country a prominent art destination of the world. “With its untouched natural beauties, rich historical heritage, silent and calm environment, outstanding shores and beaches, as well as mountains, North Cyprus is an inspiration resource allowing artists to work and produce. All art enthusiasts desire to see artworks depicting this aspect of North Cyprus” said he.
Highlighting the crucial role of being creative in producing, Minister Taçoy noted that art was the most effective factor to introduce North Cyprus. “Thanks to Near East University, we have started from the right point. Art knows no boundaries. We have brought together both the factor of producing art inspired from the sources of our country and the power of art to introduce our country to the world.
Certificates of appreciation were presented and the exhibition was opened for visits...
Following the speeches, Hasan Taçoy, the Minister of Economy and Energy, presented certificates of appreciation to the artists who contributed to the event and then the exhibition was opened by cutting the ribbon.
The Painting Exhibition of Turkish Artists, which features pieces of artworks created by using oil paint, watercolor, acrylic and printmaking techniques can be visited at the Exhibition Hall of the Faculty of Communication between 08:00-16:00 hours on weekdays until July 01, 2019.
