The group painting exhibition consisting of 51 artworks exclusively made for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by Kyrgyz artists Yerzhan Kudaibergenov, Uluzhan Zhaugasheva, Omran Sheikmus, Asgat Dinikeyev, Gulmaral Tatibayeva, Alexey Balin and Sabina Zakiryanova, was opened by Kyrenia Deputy Izlem Gürçağ Altuğra.

According to the information provided by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of the Near East University, the Founding Rector of Near East University, Dr. Suat İ. Günsel, Kyrenia Deputy İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra, vice-rectors, institute directors, deans, lecturers, artists and invitees attended to the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

At the exhibition, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Alexey Balin and Sabina Zakiryanova on behalf of Kazakh artists, and Kyrenia Deputy İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra delivered a speech each.

Vice-Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ in his opening remarks referred to the words of Agnes Martin saying “When I think of art, I think of beauty. Beauty is the mystery of life. Beauty is not in the eyes but in the mind. Our minds are aware of this perfection.” Prof. Şanlıdağ emphasized that people have been using various ways to express themselves since prehistoric times such as the various paintings they have drawn on the walls of the caves and sculptures and figurines which continued to be made throughout history.

"The first examples of museology appeared during the Roman Empire”
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ; “Museology and museums are of great importance in carrying the artworks to the present day, as well as those that ensure the initiation of museums. The first examples of museology in the world are the display of the loot acquired in expeditions and wars in the time of the Roman Empire and showing it to the public. When we look at the history of Turkish museums, the first studies appear much more recently in attempts to collect archaeological artifacts during the Ottoman Empire. Although important steps have been taken during the Ottoman era, the modern museums were established in the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Founder of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.."

“When the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts is completed, it will be more clearly understood that it is unique in the world”
"Right next to us, when the modern building of our Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, which has been rising with great magnificence, will be opened on November 15, it will be more clearly understood that it is not only unique in our geography but also in the world. As Near East University, we are trying to ensure that TRNC is recognized in international platforms while also leading to raise the awareness of society. Today, as well as Near East University, the TRNC is also known in all its details by the 14 Turkic Republics and its communities."

“Günsel Art Museum met art lovers at Günsel Showroom building in Nicosia Dereboyu district”
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that as of February 20, a new one was added to the existing museums; “Günsel Art Museum met art lovers at the Günsel Showroom building opened in the Nicosia Dereboyu area outside the Near East University campus. Günsel Art Museum is a product of GÜNSEL's contribution to art and culture, the first domestic and national electric car of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Giving importance to the integrity of the Turkish Cypriot Community, the Günsel family will mediate the sharing of the cultural identity of Cyprus in national and international art environments through the museums established within the body of the university. In the museum, approximately 700 works belonging to award-winning artists of Cyprus and the Turkish World, made with various techniques and approaches in many precious fields of plastic arts, will be exhibited.”

Stating that the artworks they prepared exclusively for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by seven artists from Kazakhstan will be presented to the art lovers, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said “Since the rich history of Kazakhstan deeply affected and inspired many Kazakh artists, Kazakh artists also used the power of this historical and cultural wealth in their works. Congratulations to our artists who have contributed to the exhibition today, I wish you, the esteemed art lovers, a nice time in the mysterious stories of the paintings."

Alexey Balin; “We are part of a unique project in the world”
Speaking on behalf of Kazakh artists, Alexey Balin said; "My dear colleagues! We are part of a unique project which has no match in the world… The conditions provided to the artists are ideal for creating artworks and for the manifestation of their creative potential! For this reason, we would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Suat Günsel and his team. Your contribution to the rise of modern art in Cyprus is very valuable. We would like to thank you for your interest and support to artists. Mr. Günsel, we wish you and your family a healthy life, prosperity and happiness.”

Sabina Zakiryanova; “I have crossed the limits of my creativity through this symposium”
Another artist from Kazakhstan, Sabina Zakiryanova said in her opening remarks, “Because he offered us the opportunity to attend this symposium, I would like to express our endless gratitude to Dr. Suat Günsel. Through this symposium, I have exceeded the limits of my creativity, have met new friends and colleagues, acquired new information. It was a very valuable experience for us and we worked with great enthusiasm. I wish you endless inspiration and healthy life, endless energy, new projects, and successes.”

İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra: “The dedication of Dr. Suat Günsel to art and artist has left its mark on the agenda of our country today.”
Kyrenia Deputy İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra; “The Founding Rector of Near East University, who made us live this beauty and made countless investments in a line where unique courage and rationality combined, and who made serious echoes heard not only inside of our country but also outside. In addition to the sensibility of Dr. Suat Günsel, which is in many areas, his dedication to the arts and artists also has made a mark on the agenda of our country today."

"Art is an important tool through which people reach other people and they express themselves”
Kyrenia Deputy Gürçağ Altuğra said, "Art has started to shed light on our present-day centuries ago and will continue to shed light on our future generations. Art is an important tool through which people express themselves and reach other people. Of course, the fact that people reflect themselves and create their own feelings and thoughts is the art itself. If a country lacks art, it means there is a serious lack of value of that country”

Gürçağ Altuğra, referring to the words of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who said "If a country lacks art, one of the main arteries of that country is missing.", said “The artist, who performs art, makes works that can represent a country in the international fields, and art is of great importance in order for a country to be recognized and known internationally. The way that a country's people can stay on the world agenda with its cultural values goes through the value it gives to the arts and artists. With this awareness and belief, the Founding Rector of our Near East University, which has so far made great achievements in important investment fields in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, also takes care of the artists and art. The seven artists, who came to our country from Kazakhstan, were hosted at the highest level on the Near East University campus and all the necessary facilities were provided to them by our Founding Rector until the stage of realizing the valuable artworks which we will have the opportunity to put our eyes on shortly. I sincerely thank the esteemed Kazakh artists who brought these works to our university and our country in general. And, of course, as he is the mastermind and the architect of such a beautiful artistic event that has brought great gains to our young state, we are thankful to Dr. Suat Günsel for his contributions to our nation and country. I sincerely thank Dr. Suat Günsel.”

Documents of appreciation were presented, exhibition ribbons were cut
Documents of appreciation were presented to Kazakh artists Yerzhan Kudaibergenov, Uluzhan Zhaugasheva, Omran Sheikmus, Asgat Dinikeyev, Gulmaral Tatibayeva, Alexey Balin and Sabina Zakiryanova. Later, the ribbons of the exhibition were cut. Exhibitions can be visited between 08.00-16.00 on weekdays until March 02, 2020, at the exhibition hall of the Faculty of Communication, Near East University.