Turkish Cypriot artist, designer of the flag of Northern Cyprus, represented at an exhibition in Nicosia

Exhibition „A Slight Indisposition“ at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre

A new exhibition opened on Friday at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (NiMAC), bringing together artists from both the local and international spheres. The exhibition is titled A Slight Indisposition showcases works by 16 emerging and established contemporary artists from Cyprus and abroad.

Criticism of Emin Çizenel's participation

Prior to the opening of the exhibition, the Ecologists' Party expressed concerns regarding the participation of the Turkish Cypriot artist Emin Çizenel. These concerns stem from his role as the designer of the flag used in northern Cyprus. The Ecologists pointed out that Çizenel is not only known for his artistic career but is also considered the creator of the flag of the so-called "pseudo-state." This flag is described as a symbol of the Turkish occupation and the division of the island.

Debate about the political dimension of the artist selection

The ecologists emphasized that while art offers space for free expression, organizers should also consider the political and social consequences of their selection when inviting artists associated with symbols perceived as divisive on the island. Furthermore, the party stressed that historical memory and sensitivity to current and future developments in Cyprus must not be disregarded in favor of a supposedly neutral cultural approach.

Career of Emin Çizenel

Emin Çizenel comes from the village of Malia in the Limassol region. He studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Istanbul and subsequently continued his studies in Vienna. Çizenel is recognized as the designer of the flag of the occupied northern part of Cyprus, which has been controversially displayed on the Pentadaktylos Mountains since the early 1980s.