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It is my great pleasure to inaugurate today the exhibition of works by Telemachos Kanthos, inspired by Varosha and Greater Famagusta. Telemachus Kanthos is undoubtedly a multifaceted personality who, as an artist, as a teacher and as a human being, shaped the modern physiognomy of Cyprus in times that were difficult and hard for the spirit, but also for the physical and national survival of the country.
The exhibition coincides with the 30th anniversary of Kanthos' death, but also marks this year the 100th anniversary of his first move to Famagusta to attend high school, where he began to draw and paint. The city of Famagusta was a source of inspiration for him. For Famagusta, however, he was the starting point for the beginning of its essential artistic awakening, with his first solo exhibition in 1934.
Almost 90 years after that first exhibition, we are here today to see another exhibition through which this historical and artistic treasure unfolds, "The Unknown Kanthos". An exhibition of works that were particularly dear to him as well, and which he had archived with great care and emotion. An exhibition that evokes both the pain and the mixed memories of the people of Famagusta, who in 1974 left the land that gave birth to them as a result of the Turkish invasion. Which brings to light faint memories of the cosmopolitan port, the capital city, but also of the tragic events that robbed it of its vigour and vitality.
Our support and our presence at today's event, as the Deputy Ministry of Culture, represents a small token of the recognition that the state must pay to Telemachus Kanthos for his valuable contribution to culture and art, but also for the enormous cultural treasure he left behind. I am particularly pleased to be here to inaugurate the exhibition and to honour with my presence this unique man whom I was fortunate enough to know personally since my childhood.
The Ministry of State aims to continue to strengthen culture and art in all their manifestations, recognizing the important role they can play in the progress, development and cultural education of society.
With these few words, let me conclude by thanking everyone who contributed to the successful organization of this exhibition. My congratulations also to his family, to whom he bequeathed, in addition to his important work, his touching kindness and sensitivity to everything related to the arts and knowledge. To his daughters Eugenia and Eleni, who honour this legacy in the best possible way, translating it, as the creator himself would have wished, into a social contribution.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the "Telemachus Kanthos Arts Centre" for the initiative of this unique exhibition and wish them to continue to contribute dynamically to the cultural events of the country, while keeping alive the memory of this great Cypriot artist.
(EFYs/AF/KP/EP)
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