**Nimac Defends Exhibition Amid Controversy Over Turkish Cypriot Artist**
The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (Nimac) has publicly defended its decision to feature a work by Turkish Cypriot artist Emin Cizenel in a current exhibition, which has sparked significant debate and controversy. Cizenel, known for designing the flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983, is the creator of the piece titled "A Lost Moment," which is part of the state’s art collection and was acquired around 2007. Nimac stated that this artwork has been displayed in previous exhibitions without any issues.
The exhibition in question is a group show that includes works from 16 Cypriot and international artists. Nimac emphasized that Cizenel's piece was specifically loaned for this exhibition and reaffirmed its commitment to artistic independence, asserting that the exhibitions it hosts do not require approval from the municipal council.
The controversy surrounding the exhibition stems from Cizenel's prominent role in the political landscape of Cyprus, particularly due to the symbolism associated with the flag he designed. Critics, including members of the Ecologists party, have voiced objections, claiming that showcasing Cizenel's work within a municipal cultural institution carries political implications that extend beyond artistic expression.
In light of the public outcry, Nimac's board has decided to convene for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the ongoing debate surrounding the exhibition. This decision comes after Deputy Nicosia Mayor Chrysanthos Fakas expressed his concerns and requested the cancellation of the exhibition upon learning of Cizenel's participation. Fakas indicated that he had informed Mayor Charalambos Prountzos and other municipal council members, seeking verification of Cizenel's background before the exhibition proceeded. He clarified that his objections were not rooted in censorship but rather in the appropriateness of using taxpayer-funded municipal space for such an exhibition.
Mayor Prountzos distanced himself from the exhibition, stating that he had no prior knowledge of it and did not attend its opening. He reiterated that the municipal council does not typically approve works displayed in museums or arts centres, thus underscoring Nimac's operational autonomy.
The exhibition's opening was marked by a peaceful protest organized by two artists who criticized what they perceived as the "normalisation of occupation through art." Journalist George Tattis, who was present at the protest, attempted to engage the exhibition's curator regarding Cizenel's involvement. Tattis reported an incident where a man accompanying the curator allegedly damaged his mobile phone after he identified himself as a journalist.
Emin Cizenel, originally from the village of Malia in Limassol, has a background in painting, having studied at the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts before furthering his education in Vienna. He has been involved in various bicommunal cultural initiatives and served on the Technical Committee on Culture, which facilitated the return of approximately 200 artworks from the north to their original artists. Cizenel has publicly advocated for the protection of Cyprus' cultural heritage, emphasizing that it belongs to both communities, and has expressed his views on the distinct identity of Turkish Cypriots compared to Turkish settlers, as well as critiqued Ankara’s treatment of the Turkish Cypriot community.
As the debate continues, the Nimac exhibition remains open, showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions while navigating the complexities of cultural identity and political symbolism in Cyprus. The outcome of the board's extraordinary meeting may further influence the discourse surrounding the exhibition and the role of art in addressing historical and political narratives within the island's divided communities.