By Heidi Trautmann

The introduction to the small catalogue accompanying the exhibition Together Again at the Eaved House in Nicosia is so aptly written by Andreas Paraskevas, fine artist and writer based in Larnaka, that I want to share it with the readers…it says it all.

One country, one nation, one common ground….that carries the history of this place. An encounter of people. Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriot artists always brings the message of Peace. The same soil that our ancestors walked on is their raw material, combined with fire and water the three life giving elements, the same soil that unites us whether …we like it or not. The artists are sending the message of harmony, brotherhood and consensus on reunification. Ceramic Art has flourished in Cyprus since antiquity, leaving samples of unique beauty and artistic value as a heritage to our people and the world. This is the heritage that contemporary ceramists are called to protect and continue, and certainly the cooperation between them can give only good results. ‘Together again’ is the title of the exhibition as in the past they walked the same paths exchanging views, showing their work in both communities, offering to the world works of art of great interest, both for the public in Cyprus and on the international scene in the field of Ceramics….. Art has always been a catalyst in creating civilized nations giving its light for a better and healthier society and always supporting peace. That is what the artists are doing with this exhibition, depositing a piece of their soul before us, inviting us to open our eyes to the beauty of Art…

This has been my own vision throughout my life for the arts in general, be it visual arts, performing arts or literature. It represents people that have learnt to see the truth and beyond it and to read the fine tunes between the lines.

Ten ceramic artists from both sides of the dividing line have decided to stretch out their hands across this line and stand together for a common exhibition. the artists that have participated are Semral Öztan and Vassos Demetriou (the organisers); Andreas Kattas; Andri Iona; Bedia Kale; Celia Potoudis Macpherson; Christine Constantinou Giusti; Constantinos Constantinidis; Efthymios Symeou; Eser Keçeci; George Georgiades; Hasan Işik; Hasan Saydam; Hayal Dimililer; Maria Vassiliou; Mümine Özdemirağ Yağlı; Özge Refik Kutsay; Photos Demetriou; Sinem Saydam; Vedia Okutan Gaydeler.

In the beautiful hall of the Eaved House the artists’works are positioned very close together as if they would go arm in arm towards a common future….. which we all would like to see. Various techniques are giving the viewer a slight idea of what is possible in the field of clay processing and ways of artistic presentation.  From utilitarian pottery in conventional technique to bowls and pieces of great beauty in raku technique; architecture ceramic and images with the meaning of peace; sculptures of ancient and modern design and in many ways the human figure makes part of the story. Yes, stories told, visions in clay.

I met the organisers on the morning of my visit, Semral Öztan, President of the local ceramists’ association, (you will find her life story in my new book ‘Art and Creativity in North Cyprus, Volume II) and Vassos Demetriou, who works and lives in Larnaka and whom I have met for the first time – I absolutely love his raku pieces…  They have known each other for some years and have worked together in both their studios. The process of raku firing is very interesting. Unfortunately people here hardly know about the different techniques and don’t know the long process the art pieces are going through. We talked about the possibility of another ceramic festival where such techniques can be demonstrated to awaken the understanding and appreciation of ceramic art in society. I am thinking of a ceramic festival solely dedicated to the ceramic art and artists as the Greek Cypriot Ceramists Association already have organised it several times in the southern part of the island.

The exhibition which is open to the public until October 30, will later go to other places on the island to promote the idea of ‘walking together in peace’. My heart goes with them.