The 471st exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, organized in honor of the 105th anniversary of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, was opened by President Ersin Tatar at the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry Exhibition Hall.
The “Fine Arts March Exhibition” organized within the scope of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day events was opened at the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry Exhibition Hall with the participation of President Ersin Tatar. The exhibition, consisting of works by academic artists of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design and artists of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, can be visited free of charge until May 16.
The opening of the exhibition, which is the 471st exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, was attended by President Ersin Tatar, Kyrenia MP Fikri Toros, Higher Education Supervisory Board (YÖK) Member Prof. Dr. Osman Karamustafa, Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation and Coordination Board (YÖDAK) Member Prof. Dr. Remziye Terkan, academicians, artists and art lovers.
The opening speeches of the exhibition were made by President Ersin Tatar, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç.
President Ersin Tatar: “These exhibitions, which bring the past together with the future, will serve as a great bridge in the corridors of history.”
President Ersin Tatar said, “Today, we have gathered not only for the opening of an exhibition, but also to share an important moment in which we announce the identity, values and art of the Turkish Cypriot people to the world,” and added, “Despite all the political isolations imposed on us, the works of our artists carry our struggle to the world through the language of art. In this sense, I wholeheartedly congratulate all our artists who contributed to each work exhibited here.”
Referring to the importance that Near East University gives to art and artists, President Ersin Tatar said, “Today, we are opening the 471st exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. The exhibitions and museums that Near East University offers us are a great legacy to be left to the future. These exhibitions, which bring the past together with the future, will serve as a great bridge in the corridors of history.” Stating that art is a common language for humanity, President Ersin Tatar said, “The works exhibited here are shared with the world by bringing together national and international artists. Such achievements carries great meaning not only locally but also on a global scale. The energy that Near East University displays creates an impact that resonates not only in these lands but all over the world.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “This exhibition brings together two greatest values that enable us to look to the future with hope, ‘our children and art’, under the same roof.”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that the ‘Fine Arts March Exhibition’ was held during a meaningful time period where April 15 World Art Day and April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day intersect, and said, “This exhibition brings together two greatest valuesthat allow us to look to the future with hope, ‘our children and art’ under the same roof.”
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also touched on the scientific power and international achievements of Near East University, and said, “Our university continues to make a difference not only in our region but also on a global scale with its scientific research, project design and ability to transform these studies into products.” He reminded that Near East University is among the top 10 Turkish universities worldwide and also one of the top two Turkish foundation universities in the 2024-2025 World University Rankings of METU URAP.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Our 471st exhibition, which we opened today, is also an important milestone that reveals the cultural and artistic productivity of Near East University. Strengthening the ties between art and society; creating aesthetic awareness in young generations is as valuable as our scientific achievements.”
Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “Let’s go beyond looking together and find a trace of ourselves in every work.”
Dean of Near East University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç, who started his speech by defining art and science as the two lifebloods of life, said, “I would like to talk about one of the most interesting dialogues in history about how art and science unite people,” and conveyed a conversation between Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin. At the premiere of Charlie Chaplin’s film “City Lights,” Einstein said to the legend of silent cinema; “Mr. Chaplin, I have always admired your art. The most impressive thing about your art is your universality; without saying a word, the whole world understands and applauds you.”
Chaplin’s response was, “True, but your magnificence is greater and you have a side that inspires admiration. Your ‘Theory of Relativity’ cannot be understood by everyone, even if they do not have an idea about a single word of your theory, they still admire you and the whole world appreciates you.”
Prof. Dr. Aygenç commented on this interesting dialogue by saying “This short dialogue shows that comprehensibility does not always bring applause, sometimes obscurity also evokes great admiration. Because, in order to understand some things, we need to feel them, not just listen to words.”
Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç thanked his artist friends who contributed to the exhibition organized in honor of the 105th anniversary of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day and ended his speech by saying “I wish you a pleasant art tour with the wish that your heart’s eyes are always open.”
