1960-1980, Dialogue with Contemporary Currents

"1960-1980, Dialogue with Contemporary Currents in Art and Search for an Identity"

As a follow-up to the exhibition entitled “The Human Figure in Modern Cypriot Art”, which was hosted in 2006 focusing mainly on the first generation of Cypriot artists, the Evagoras and Kathleen Lanitis Foundation in collaboration with the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture organize an exhibition of unique importance from 24th April to 5th July 2009, covering two historical decades in the history of Cypriot art, namely the 1960s and 1970s. The 1960s begins with the declaration of Cyprus as an independent state, the euphoria accompanying this event but also the intercommunal trouble that followed soon after, as well as the efforts of the newly-founded state to establish the necessary institutions for it to function normally. The artists who lived through these particular political and social developments in Cyprus had attended fine arts schools abroad. Upon their return to Cyprus after the 1950s and the 1960s they brought back with them the influences of contemporary currents in art but also the experience of their contact with the avant-garde of the beginning of the century which was a new discovery for many of them. This generation played a very important role in forming Cypriot art. The tragic events of the coup d’état and the Turkish invasion had a direct influence on the creators and the artistic landscape of Cyprus.

The exhibition draws a historical overview of this period, looking into the dialogue which is established between the young artists and the modern and contemporary currents in art, especially those coming from the West, and at the same time their quest for a unique identity.

They will be presented artworks by Antonis Antonios, Bailey Rhea, Charalambides Andreas, Charalambous Andreas,Chrysochos Andreas, Constantinou Anna, Corbidge John, Dymiotis Nicos, Economou Lefteris, Foukaras Christos, Hadjiadamos Andy, Hadjida Vera, Hakeri Yilmaz, Hambis, Hughes Glyn, Joachim Costas, Karayan Andreas, Kotsonis George, Kouroussis Nikos, Kyriacou George, Ladommatos Andreas, Lakeridou Youlika, Liodaki Niki, Makrides Angelos, Michaelidou Stella, Oronti Dora, Paraskos Stass, Phinikarides Mikis, Savvides Andreas, Sfikas George, Skotinos George, Tourou Maria,Votsis Stelios and Yiannicouris Constantinos.

The exhibition will be opened by Dr Eleni Nikita, Director of the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture, on Friday, April 24th 2009, at 20.00.

Opening hours
Daily except Tuesday 10.00 – 13.00 & 16.00 – 20.00
Saturday and Sunday 16.00 – 20.00