The exhibition titled “Layers”, which is the 483rd exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art, brings together 50 works from the fields of painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. The exhibition, featuring 50 works, was opened by the Minister of Economy and Energy, Olgun Amcaoğlu, at the GÜNSEL Art Museum.
The “Layers”, which is the 483rd exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art, was opened by the Minister of Economy and Energy, Olgun Amcaoğlu, at the GÜNSEL Art Museum Exhibition Hall. Exclusively prepared by artists from the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design and the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art, the exhibition offered an opportunity to explore different forms of expression in contemporary art.
The exhibition, which brings together a total of 50 works from the fields of painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking, can be visited free of charge until July 1st. The exhibition, which saw a large turnout, was also attended by Prof. Dr. Remziye Terkan, Member of the Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation and Coordination Board (YÖDAK). Also, Kyrenia University Rector Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu, numerous academics, artists, and art lovers attended the opening of the exhibition. At the opening of the exhibition, speeches were given by the Minister of Economy and Energy Olgun Amcaoğlu, the Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design at Near East University Prof. Erdal Aygenç, and AI-based academician AI. Prof. Dux.
AI. Prof. Dux stated that art makes the invisible visible, saying, “We live in the age of artificial intelligence. Information is layered, reality is layered, and even our identities are taking on new forms between the digital and physical worlds. However, amidst all this transformation, art remains one of the most humane fields. Because art doesn’t just produce. It makes you think, feel, and connects you.”
Olgun Amcaoğlu: “Near East University is a center of learning that ranks among the top 500 universities in the world.”
“I don’t know if our ancestors could have imagined that this structure rising here today would house a university, a hospital, an art center, and such a comprehensive vision touching different areas of life.” said Minister of Economy and Energy Olgun Amcaoğlu, expressing his admiration for the development and production approach demonstrated by Near East University. Emphasizing that the TRNC will continue to move confidently towards the future while maintaining its existence, Amcaoğlu stated that this is possible not only through science, education, and politics, but also through the power to reflect the inner world and aesthetic values of society via art.
Amcaoğlu noted that the artistic endeavors of Near East University and the Günsel Family are of great importance in this respect, emphasizing that the works produced constitute a significant cultural heritage to be left to future generations. Amcaoğlu, expressing his pride in Near East University’s ranking among the world’s top 500 universities, said, “We are talking about a center of learning that brings together students from different cultures under one roof with its international character and is among the world’s top 500 universities. We should always be proud of this.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Near East University’s layers are formed by science, technology, internationalization, and art.”
Emphasizing that the concept of “layers” is not only a form of artistic expression but also a symbol of time, effort, and accumulation, the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, said, “Every brushstroke on a canvas creates a new layer, and the resulting work is the product of accumulated time, thought, and effort.” Comparing the development process of Near East University to this multi-layered structure, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “A university is built exactly like this. It is founded on science, strengthened by technology, enriched by an international vision, and gains depth through art.” “Near East University, which ranks among the top 500 universities in the world, is built upon the layers of science, technology, internationalization, and art.” said Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, emphasizing the university’s multifaceted structure, from research centers and laboratories to students from different countries and an educational approach that meets the demands of the age.
Emphasizing the transformative role of art in university life, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “If there is art alongside science, aesthetics alongside technology, and emotion alongside research, then universities cultivate not only individuals but also humanity. Near East University represents exactly this.”
Prof. Erdal Aygenç added: “Art is not only an aesthetic production but also a creative process.”
Beginning his speech by saying, “Today we welcome you for the 483rd time with our exhibition titled “Layers”’ of Fine Arts, Prof. Erdal Aygenç, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, emphasized that art is not only an aesthetic production but also a creative process. Stating that the concept of form lies at the heart of art, Prof. Aygenç noted that form also has its own rules and laws. Highlighting that art is the process of giving meaning to matter, Prof. Aygenç stated that the artist is a creator who knows the material, skillfully processes it, and transforms it. He pointed out that every material possesses unique qualities that allow it to take on different forms, adding, “All the great works of art etched into art history have come into being as a result of this effort.”
