Bringing together 50 artworks exclusively made for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by 23 academician artists of the Near East University Fine Arts and Design Faculty, the “Fine Arts April Exhibition” was opened by President Ersin Tatar at the Near East University Atatürk Congress and Culture Center Exhibition Hall. The exhibition can be visited free of charge until June 2. The exhibition brings together works consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, stained glass and print paintings with art lovers.

President Ersin Tatar, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç made a speech.

President Ersin Tatar: “We are giving a message of existence to the whole world with the voice of art rising from the Near East University campus.”
President Ersin Tatar, who started his speech by expressing that he feels a new excitement at every exhibition opened by the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts on the Near East University campus, said, “The modernity, universality and these precious works here really encourage us. In this way, we leave our traces from today to the future.” President Tatar thanked Suat İrfan Günsel, Near East University Founding Rector, who he defined as the architect of the art vision that came to life in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and said, “We are giving a message of existence to the whole world with the voice of art rising from the Near East University campus.”

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot people are still persecuted through unjustified obstructions, restrictions and isolations, President Tatar said, “Despite all this, we still convey universality to the whole world. These are not obstacles for us.” President Tatar said, “The important thing for us is to continue our existence in peace, tranquility and security with contemporary values,”, also reminding what happened in Ukraine and different countries in Africa; “We are here for humanity and brotherhood. With the universal language of art, we strive for humanity by sharing these values with the whole world in this geography.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Art not only expresses beauty but also reflects the issues of society and the world.”
Starting his opening speech by referring to the Museums Week celebrated between May 18-24, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Opening this meaningful exhibition, in which the academic artists of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design and the artistic productions of the artists of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art meet with us during the Museums Week, increases its meaning even more.”

“In our exhibition, we brought together 50 artworks of award-winning academic artists consisting of painting, sculpture, stained glass, ceramics and prints. These works reflect mastery, creativity and diversity in different styles.” saying Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, further added; “Art; It not only expresses beauty, but also reflects various issues of society and the world. Artists offer us new perspectives with their creativity, make us question and make us think. This exhibition is also an opportunity to feel the power and impact of art.” Mentioning the names of 23 artists whose works were included in the “Fine Arts April Exhibition”, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “You, our esteemed artists; Each of you is a shining star of this art universe rising from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

Reminding the saying of Near East University Founding Rector Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel “Art is the definition of humanity”, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said “With the great vision of Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel, the universe of science, technology and art, which is blooming and growing in front of all of us today, has risen from the Near East University campus; first by surrounding our Northern Cyprus and then the whole Mediterranean; and it continues to announce the voice of our country to the whole world with the language of art that knows no borders. This is why; Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel’s phrase “Art is the definition of humanity…”; describes not only art but also the vision it carries.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “Art enters every aspect of life and envelops it like magic.”
Making the opening speech of the 443rd exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “It is not always enough to have a pair of eyes to look, to touch to feel; There are things that can only be felt with the heart. For this reason, the hearts of people, who always keep their excitement about art fresh, are always open to art.” Referring to the place and importance of art in human life, Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “Art enters every aspect of life and surrounds it like magic.”

Concluding his speech by reading the series of Cahit Külebi’s poem “Come on, let’s paint with you”, Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “The pioneer of our art movement, which gained a unique momentum with the arrival of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, and made us live the 442nd event, we would like to express our sincere thanks to our Founding Rector Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel and the entire Günsel Family.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “Congratulations to my colleagues, the creators of the works that make up the exhibition, and the exhibition curator Assoc. Prof. Dr Erdoğan Ergün. I wish you a good time with the hope that your heart will always be full of art.”