The Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts re-opened its doors for exhibitions following the lockdown days imposed within the measures taken against COVID-19 pandemic that spread all across the world. The opening ceremony of the “Fine Arts Exhibition 2020”, which features almost 100 pieces of art encompassing art forms such as painting, print making, sculpture, ceramics and graphics, was held at NEU Atatürk Culture and Congress Center by keeping strict to social distance rule.
The Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of Near East University released that the opening ceremony of the exhibition was realized with the participation of Asst. Prof. Dr. Cemre Günsel Haskasap, Founding Rector of the University of Kyrenia, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, vice Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç, Dean of NEU Faculty of Fine Arts, faculty members, artists and art-lovers.
The opening remarks of the exhibition were delivered respectively by Near East University vice Rector Professor Tamer Şanlıdağ and Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Professor Erdal Aygenç.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ; “Today, we are commencing the exhibitions with the 295th one that we had to suspend within the scope of the measures taken against the cOVID-19 pandemic”
Highlighting the crucial role of the measures and hygiene rules taken in preventing the spread of the pandemic in our country, NEU vice Rector Professor Tamer Şanlıdağ said: “Upon the detection of the first COVID-19 case in our country on March 9, 2020, certain measures were taken to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Within the scope of the measures, we had to suspend our cultural and social activities such as art exhibitions that we carry out within the frame of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts project. Following the lockdown days, we are reopening now. Today, we are about to present the 295th exhibition to the taste of art lovers by keeping strict to the social distance rule. I hope you will enjoy it”.
TRNC has become one of the most reliable countries in the world by taking the pandemic under control in a short time considered relative to time.
Underlining the significance of the success achieved in preventing the spread of the pandemic in our country, vice Rector Professor Şanlıdağ delivered further information. “As of today, more than 9 million people were infected with the new coronavirus and almost 500,000 people lost their lives due to COVID-19. The first case was detected on March 9 in our country and strict measures were taken immediately to prevent the spread of the pandemic. The last case was detected on April 17 and no other cases have been detected since then. Our country has become one of the most reliable countries in the world by achieving to take the pandemic under control within 5 weeks. The administrators, scientists, engineers, artists and staff of Near East University also played an active role in the fight against the pandemic”.
Immune system and nervous system also strengthen as a result of positive changes in the emotional state
Stating that results acquired from scientific studies clearly demonstrates that engaging in art changes one’s physiology, general attitude and mood, Professor Şanlıdağ underlines the crucial role of art in generating positive changes in the emotional state and said: “While dealing with art, relaxation replaces tension. Fear and anxiety are replaced by creativity, inspiration and hope. As a result of positive changes in emotional state, the immune system and nervous system also strengthen. As art allows one’s emotions and views to flow out freely, the person begins to hear his/her inner voice better”.
The psychological destructive effects caused by COVID-19 pandemic can be relieved via art…
“The economic, social and psychological destructions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic all across the globe can only be relieved via art. In order to overcome the economic challenges caused by lockdown due to the pandemic, it is necessary to recover emotionally, mentally and socially. In this regard, there is a need for the therapy of artists. Today, we are here to experience one of those moments together. Welcome to the opening ceremony of the “Fine Arts Exhibition 2020″ organized by the lecturers and graduate students of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University. On this occasion, I congratulate and present my respects to all those who contributed to this exhibition” noted Şanlıdağ.
Prof. Dr. Aygenç: “With the excitement aroused by the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts project, Fine Arts Exhibition of the faculty members of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University gained a new content and momentum”.
In his opening remarks, Professor Erdal Aygenç, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University addressed the participants and expressed his views: “The Fine Arts Exhibition, which has been organized since 2010 on a traditional basis by the teaching staff of NEU Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, has gained a new momentum and content with the excitement aroused by the initiation of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts project. It is a source of pride for us that not only the works of our lecturers, but also the works of our graduate students, whom we define as the artists and designers of the future, take part in the same group exhibition. It cannot be said that it is a common and very accustomed situation. But being from the Near East is something like this; To be confident and courageous to try and apply the new. Therefore, we would like to thank our Founding Rector, Dr. Suat Günsel, who provided us with this extraordinary motivation and pioneered us towards a brilliant future full of science, innovation, technology and art”.
Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “Artists soften the flow of time through their works of all forms”
Indicating that many things could be said about the rationale of arts and artists, Professor Aygenç noted that he wanted to touch upon one of them. “Artists soften the flow of time with their works of all art forms. Because they realize that time flows at a dizzying speed and they expand time and attach sense on it with their works
“For a while, just imagine that all artworks have disappeared all of a sudden, there are no pictures you can look at in your life, no sculptures, or no music when you turn on the radio..! There is not a single fairy tale you can tell your child..! There is no movie or drama to watch..! Actually, we define another name of hell for me.
If we talk about our exhibition, I can say that it is a very rich exhibition in terms of its content. It brings different works together from many fields and disciplines ranging from painting, print-making, sculpture to ceramics and graphic arts. In this regard, I would like to extend my appreciations to our participants and our curator fellow Assistant Professor Erdoğan Ergün, who organized the exhibition. I wish you a good time” said he.
Following the opening remarks, along with the participants, University of Kyrenia Founding Rector Asst. Prof. Dr. Cemre Günsel Haskasap cut the exhibition ribbon and opened the exhibition for the taste of art-lovers. The exhibition will be open for the visits between 08:00-16:00 hours until July 6, 2020 at Atatürk Culture and Congress Center.
