The “Fine Arts May Exhibition”, exclusively prepared for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by the academicians of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University, was opened by the Minister of Interior Ziya Öztürkler at the exhibition hall of the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center.

The group exhibition, which can be visited free of charge until July 1, brings together 50 works of art, consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, stained glass and prints.

Opening speeches of the May Exhibition were delivered by the Minister of Interior Ziya Öztürkler, Director of Near East Enterprises Museums Department Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenc.

Interior Minister Ziya Öztürkler: “Societies can progress and develop as much as they value art.”
Speaking at the opening of the “Fine Arts May Exhibition” of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, Minister of Interior Ziya Öztürkler reminding that he completed his undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degrees at the Near East University, said, “Near East University is a successful university that provides the best way for the individual to improve himself.”

Ziya Öztürkler said that universities are a home that not only touches people’s lives, but also touches the lives of societies, “There is a constant motivation and study at Near East University. Near East University is a university that has become the pride of our country in many branches such as science, art and education.

Minister Öztürkler said, “Societies can progress and develop as much as they value art,” and added, “Today, we are opening the 415th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. Behind these successes are the months of work and the dedication and effort of our artists. I would like to thank the Günsel Family first and then everyone who contributed to the vision that the Near East University brought to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul: “Art is regarded as the mirror of the society in which it develops and is shaped.”
Stating that art is another world, Head of Near East Enterprises Museums Department Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul said, “Art allows us to see the world we live in from a different perspective, with different feelings. Art almost cleanses our souls.” Stating that art also exists to realize social and universal peace, Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul said, “Culture and art cannot be separated from each other. Art is the most important element that creates the culture of the society.”

Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul said, “Art is accepted as the mirror of the society in which it develops and is shaped. The thoughts, rules and tastes of the society also seriously affect art. As the Near East Family, we will always remind you that art is a source of inspiration and we will continue to create opportunities to bring art and people together.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “The Near East University and the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts are able to impring art into your soul.”
Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç started his speech saying “We are extremely happy to host our university in the Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall, which has brought together many cultural and artistic events, each more valuable than the other,”.

Stating that every place has its own unique energy, Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç, “Spaces have their own unique energies, breaths and psychology. In a properly defined space, you can only take actions permitted by that space. That is why the Near East University and the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts can imprint art into your soul.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “The Near East University is the biggest education, health, technology, art and culture center of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which has achieved many firsts since its establishment. Over the course of time, it has also become the creator of spaces worthy of its power, leadership and corporate identity. When the Suat Günsel Mosque, Cyprus Art Museum and Governance Tower are completed, new Sirius will shine in the heart of Cyprus with their unique features and qualities.”