A Matter of Time

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A Matter of Time

Photography Exhibitions Tell the Story of Cyprus

Capturing the Essence of Nicosia: Past and Present

Historical photographs possess a unique ability to transport us back in time, allowing us to witness the world as it once was. This summer, Nicosia hosts two poignant photographic exhibitions: Three Photographic Trails – Nicosia: People and Places at the Leventis Municipal Museum and 50 Years – Turkish Invasion and Occupation at the Nicosia Town Hall.

Three Photographic Trails – Nicosia: People and Places

Curated with meticulous care by director Tzeni Savvidou, the Leventis exhibit is the second part of a trilogy that aims to “illustrate the capital of Cyprus through the passage of time.” This summer’s installment, displayed on the museum’s third floor until August 25, focuses on the 1950s and early 1960s.

The exhibit showcases a dynamic and ephemeral period in Nicosia’s history. The gallery is transformed into a wooden labyrinth, guiding visitors through a collection of photographs, postcards, prints, drawings, and old footage from the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation. These pieces offer a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past, capturing the last years of British rule and the early years of independence.

A notable piece is a blown-up postcard of the Ledra Palace Hotel in the 1950s. This simple yet evocative image contrasts sharply with the current state of the structure, evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss. The exhibition juxtaposes the vibrant life once lived with the static images that now represent it, blending history, memory, and emotion.

50 Years – Turkish Invasion and Occupation

Just a few blocks away at the Nicosia Town Hall, a more somber exhibition unfolds. Organized by the Press and Information Office, this exhibit commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion with a stark collection of black-and-white photographs documenting the atrocities of war, human suffering, and the longing for reunification. The exhibition runs until August 3 and is open on weekends.

The photographs, grouped by themes such as “Refugees,” “Missing People,” and “Women,” offer a raw and unfiltered look at the impact of the 1974 invasion. The exhibit’s grim simplicity and archival authenticity lend it a powerful and poignant resonance. Accompanied by a 108-page catalog, the exhibit eschews nostalgia in favor of a direct and unflinching portrayal of history.

The Power of Photography

Both exhibitions highlight photography’s unique ability to capture fleeting moments and evoke powerful emotions. They pay tribute to the photographers who have documented these moments for over fifty years, offering us a window into the past and a reminder of how much has changed.

While the Leventis exhibit invites visitors to reflect on memories of a bygone era, the Nicosia Town Hall exhibition confronts them with the harsh realities of history. Together, these exhibitions underscore the profound impact of time and change, urging us to appreciate the moments captured through the lens and the stories they tell.

Exhibition Details

Three Photographic Trails – Nicosia: People and Places