The “Fine Arts January Exhibition” consisting of 42 works exclusively prepared for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by the faculty members of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University was opened by the Minister of Labor and Social Security Hasan Taçoy at the Near East University Atatürk Congress and Culture Center Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition, which is the 407th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts and brings together the works of painting, sculpture, ceramics and prints of award-winning artist-academics of Near East University, can be visited free of charge until 06 May.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Minister of Labor and Social Security Hasan Taçoy, Near East University Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç made speeches.

Hasan Taçoy: “Near East University has been the pioneer in the beginning of many firsts for this country with its art and science projects.”
Speaking at the opening of the Fine Arts January Exhibition, the 407th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, Minister of Labor and Social Security Hasan Taçoy, in his speech, which started by emphasizing that Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel was his teacher from his student years, described Suat Günsel as one of the people who opened new horizons for this country.

“When I received the invitation to the exhibition, I really liked that the name of the exhibition was ‘January’. January is actually the beginning of many things. January is the beginning of a life, a new year, and a family. Hasan Taçoy said, “The Near East University has also been pioneer in the beginning of many firsts for this country with its art and science projects. The artist makes people think by touching their souls with the works he creates. Near East University is also leading the way in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “By continuing to increase our productivity, we will also continue to work and produce in order for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to take the respectable place it deserves in the world in arts and sciences.”
Starting his speech by reminding the four solo exhibitions that were opened on World Art Day last week, Near East University Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Following 4 solo exhibitions consisting of 165 works, from sculpture to painting; We are happy to be here with a new exhibition with a rich variety from ceramics to prints.”

“Our 14 artists whose works are exhibited at the Fine Arts January Exhibition have another very meaningful feature. They are not just artists who transform the world into art by filtering their own hearts; They are the academicians who convey this to their students and guide them to express themselves through art.” Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ added; “History shows us that no social rise that is not fed by science and art has the power to leave permanent traces. At this point, we, as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, will continue to take root in the Mediterranean, with the determination to carry every project that is kneaded with art, science and technology on the Near East University Campus to the future.”

Stating that the Near East University continues on its way with the vision of science, art and productivity, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ pointed out that the university ranked 552th among 15,000 universities worldwide in the World’s Best Universities ranking announced by AD Scientific Index, and reminded that in Europe, it ranked 230th among 3,126 universities and is among the top 250 universities in Europe.

Referring to the success of Near East University in scientific articles published by the TRNC universities in international refereed journals, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “In 2021, the number of scientific articles produced at the Near East University increased by 30 percent and exceeded the 1,500 band. Again last year, we attended nearly 1,300 national and international scientific meetings. This is another indication of great labor and hard work. By continuing to increase our productivity, we will continue to work and produce for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to take the respectable place it deserves in the world in arts and sciences.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “In addition to great effort, there is love in the root of every success that the Near East has achieved.”
Speaking at the opening of the Fine Arts January Exhibition, Near East University Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “There is love as well as great effort in the root of every success that the Near East has achieved. That’s why I based my speech today on art and love.”

Stating that art and love require courage, Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “It’s not about courage, bravery or fearlessness; it is about to conquer and overcome fear. Bravery; It is effort and the ability to progress despite everything standing against you. This is what we do as Near East University,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç finalized his speech by saying, “In both love and art, there is pleasure on the one hand and pain on the other. Both have difficulties in actually thinking and doing. One of the most important determinants of being human, social development and social purpose is aesthetic pleasure. This pleasure repairs and heals us. Aesthetic pleasure is not just a problem of art and beauty, it is a problem of making life more beautiful. In other words, it applies to all areas of life.”