The work “A Lost Moment” by artist Emin Çizenel, which is at the center of public debate regarding the exhibition “A Slight Indisposition,” is part of the State Collection and was acquired by the Republic of Cyprus around 2007, and has been featured repeatedly in other exhibitions without any issues arising, clarifies the Nicosia Municipal Arts Center (NiMAC).

In a statement, NiMAC emphasizes that the exhibition is not a solo exhibition by any single artist, but includes works by many Cypriot and foreign artists. It also notes that this particular work was loaned to the Municipal Arts Center exclusively for the purposes of the exhibition.

At the same time, NiMAC states that, like the other cultural centers of the Municipality of Nicosia, it enjoys complete artistic freedom, noting that the events and individual works presented are not reviewed by the City Council.

The Center also announces that it will evaluate the matter at an extraordinary meeting, in accordance with its institutional structure and mission.

For his part, the Mayor of Nicosia, in a Facebook post, clarifies that the exhibition is not an event organized by the Municipality of Nicosia but by NiMAC, and that the Municipality was not involved in its preparation or curation.

The Mayor also stated that he was unaware of the exhibition, did not attend the opening, and that the Nicosia City Council does not, as a rule, approve the works exhibited in art centers or museums.

At the same time, he notes that the matter should be addressed promptly by NiMAC’s administration, adding that the reasonable concerns raised during the public discussion should also be evaluated as part of this review.

Source: CNA