PRESS REALSE OF UN

 

The Special Adviser of the Secretary General on Cyprus, Alexander Downer, will be the
host of a new initiative to highlight the wealth of artistic expression on the island and
the fruits of creative cooperation across the Cyprus divide.

 

Cypriot artists Andreas Charalambous, Osman Keten, Zehra Sonya and Pola Hadjipapa have
generously agreed to exhibit part of their work inside the premises where direct talks
between Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat
are being held.  The paintings and mixed-media pieces on show touch on Cyprus-related-themes,
such as the Cyprus coffee, shared Cypriot experiences, Nicosia’s urbanism and sexual
exploitation of women.  Their works will kick off a rolling exhibition, which has the support
of both leaders.

 

“I’m a great believer in the power of art to soothe but also to provoke reflection”, Mr. Downer said.
“I think the works on display are a small indication of the tremendous potential of this island, and I am
heartened by the collaborative nature of the exhibition, which is conceived and led by Turkish and Greek
Cypriot artists”.

 

The exhibition will be inaugurated officially in July.  Future contributing artists will include creators
such as Emin Cizenel, Ashik Mene, Kyriakos Kallis and Chara Savvidou, who will provide new works on a monthly
basis to lend artistic support to the peace-process.

Note to editors:  The project’s initiators are Neshe Yashin and Andreas Charalambous.  It is organized by
Argyro Toumazou and Ozgul Ezgin, who can be contacted at: atoumazou@cytanet.com.cy (00357 99 317278)
and ozgul.ezgin@gmail.com (0090 533 8640418).  A showing for media in the presence of the artists is scheduled for Monday,

1 June, from 10.30 a.m. to 11 a.m.. 

Please contact the UNFICYP Public Information Office (22614409, oztoycan@un.org) if you would like to attend. 

Please see below two views of the main conference room for the peace talks in the United Nations Protected Area
in which peace talks are held.  The room holds some of the larger paintings in the exhibition.