The Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts’ “March 8 International Women’s Day Exhibition” was opened by President Ersin Tatar at the Near East University Irfan Günsel Congress Center Exhibition Hall.
The “March 8 International Women’s Day Exhibition”, exclusively prepared by the academic artists of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design and the artists of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, was opened by President Ersin Tatar at the Irfan Günsel Congress Center Exhibition Hall.
The exhibition, which reflects the power, creativity and originality of women, sheds light on the importance of women in social life with the unique language of art. The exhibition, which can be visited free of charge until March 25, exhibits 50 works consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and printmaking to art lovers. The exhibition also has the distinction of being the 470th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts.
The opening speech of the exhibition was made by President Ersin Tatar, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Plastic Arts faculty member Dr. Vedia Okutan Gaydeler.
President Ersin Tatar: “Everything that women are involved in is more successful.”
Stating that Near East University is a great center in education, science and art in his speech, President Ersin Tatar said, “We are happy to see the light of this center spreading from the TRNC to the world. As this light spreads, all of our individuals representing the society, especially our women and artists, reflect these values with a great struggle and success. This struggle symbolizes not only the place of our women in social life, but also our determination in terms of gender equality and equal opportunities.”
President Ersin Tatar said, “Everything that women are involved in is more successful. Because our women’s intuition, sense of responsibility and conscience make success even closer.” Stating that art has no boundaries and is a universal language, President Ersin Tatar said, “Our women play an important role in strongly announcing, sharing and spreading this language to the world. Our women should have more say in every field and make their voices heard worldwide.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “At Near East University, we are building the future based on merit, not gender.”
“As a university that keeps the place of women in social life on its agenda not just for one day but every day of the year, our gathering here today has a special meaning for us,” said Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, adding, “Half of our academic staff consists of women academics. This rate reaches 67 percent in our administrative staff. 10 of our 21 faculties are administered by female deans and more than half of our students consist of female students. This data indicates that at Near East University we are building the future based on merit, not gender.”
Stating that art is the strongest language regarding human existence, rights, search for freedom and struggle for equality, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “This exhibition is not only an art event, but also an expression of a strong social stance. Each work exhibited is a message that makes women’s labor visible and calls for equality.” Stating that as Near East University, they work hard to create an environment where not only women but all individuals can freely reveal their potential and where equal opportunities prevail regardless of gender, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “We will continue to increase the success stories led by women in science, art, sports and every area of life.”
Dr. Vedia Okutan Gaydeler: “Today is the day to reach our own essence.”
Emphasizing the meaning of March 8th, International Women’s Day, Dr. Vedia Okutan Gaydeler said, “Today is the day to show what we can achieve with the power and inspiration that being a woman gives us and to reach our own essence.”
Dr. Vedia Okutan Gaydeler emphasized that dealing with clay and creating new things throughout her life and art had a positive effect on her, and said, “Recreating, understanding and conveying the world I want to exist in with clay has always been the basis of my existence.” Emphasizing that women have always taken part in art throughout human history, Dr. Vedia Okutan Gaydeler said, “Women have always found a place in art as the image of fertility, creation, reproduction and production. I similize women to a tree that has taken root deep in the soil, branched and knotted. I wanted to use this symbolism in my works. Those branches are the arms of women. There is a story, a struggle for life in each branch. It always wants to sprout, blossom, breathe and see the sun. Therefore, do not let the expectations of society dim your light. Thus, do not let the expectations of society lessen your light. Love yourself and be aware that you deserve the love and light.”
