The Fine Arts April Exhibition, held in line with the enthusiasm of May 19, opened after the Near East University Academic Promotion Ceremony, where more than 100 academics granted their new titles.
The “Fine Arts April Exhibition”, carried out within the scope of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day events, was opened at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall with the participation of President Ersin Tatar. In the “Academic Promotion Ceremony” held before the exhibition, more than 100 academics, including 64 assistant professors, 24 associate professors and 19 professors, received their promotion certificates.
The exhibition, exclusively prepared for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by 21 award-winning academic artists of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, brought together with art lovers a total of 50 works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and printmaking. The exhibition will be open to visitors free of charge until June 23.
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 made speeches at the opening ceremony of the 473rd exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts hosted by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel.
President Ersin Tatar: “Near East University carries the light of science and art.”
President Ersin Tatar expressed his pleasure in coming together with artists and art lovers at the 473rd exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts and said, “Each work in this exhibition has come to life with the devotion, spirit and vision of our artists. These works are the strongest values that carry our cultural heritage into the future.”
Stating that Near East University represents the TRNC all over the world, President Ersin Tatar said, “Near East University carries the light of science and art. By bringing together many national and international artists under the same roof, it is implementing a very important mission that carries our country forward in cultural terms.” Emphasizing that there is a strong vision behind these achievements, President Ersin Tatar said, “Thanks to the foresight of Near East University Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel and his belief in the TRNC, today we are witnessing not only an exhibition but also a great value where art meets life.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “On this meaningful day where art and science meet, we are once again witnessing the transformative power of universities in society.”
Starting his speech by touching on the 2024-2025 Academic Year Academic Promotion Ceremony held before the exhibition, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “On this meaningful day when art and science meet, we are once again witnessing the transformative power of universities in society. Because we know that science liberates the mind, and art deepens the soul. A journey in which these two fields proceed in harmony opens the doors to real progress.”
Stating that Near East University adopts the understanding of quality and productivity in education, science and art, as in every field, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “As a university that believes in the role of art and cultural production in the transformation of society, we are taking pioneering steps not only in science but also in art. Indeed, in the Times Higher Education 2024 Impact Rankings, where the most influential universities in the world are ranked, we ranked 8th in the world in the “Sustainable Cities and Societies” category. This is an important indicator of how strongly our university contributes not only in scientific and academic fields, but also to social development, art and cultural sustainability.”
Continuing his speech by saying, “I would like to thank all our artists who inspire us with their works. I invite you to visit this unique exhibition, to think and to be inspired.”
Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “Success belongs to those who set out saying ‘I will succeed’ and can say ‘I have succeeded.’”
Beginning his speech by reminding the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk of the value he gave to art and artists, Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç emphasized that May 19, 1919 was a critical starting point in the Turkish nation’s struggle for independence. Prof. Dr. Aygenç stated that Atatürk’s vision, which defined art as “the ladder of high civilization” and the artist as “the first person to feel the light on their forehead after long efforts and endeavors in society,” still illuminates our path today.
Reminding Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s words, “My spiritual heritage is logic and science; if one day my words contradict science, go with science.” Prof. Dr. Aygenç also drew attention to Atatürk’s trust in youth. At the same time, sharing Atatürk’s words, “The rising generation, the future is you. We are the ones who founded the Republic, you are the ones who will raise it and keep it alive.”, Prof. Dr. Aygenç emphasized Atatürk’s belief in youth and the responsibility he gave them. Expressing his pleasure in bringing art, youth and social memory together with the exhibition they held within the scope of May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, Prof. Dr. Aygenç stated that they crowned this meaningful day with the unifying power of art. Continuing his speech by saying “Success belongs to those who set out saying ‘I will succeed’ and can say ‘I have succeeded’” Prof. Dr. Aygenç thanked all the artists who contributed to the exhibition.
