A building frozen in time has been given a new lease on life through a compelling temporary exhibition in Nicosia. Situated between the Ledras and Lokmaci checkpoints, the cultural organisation D6:EU has launched the “Imagining Home – Between the Walls” exhibition, which delves into the complex themes of home and identity.
The exhibit showcases works from a diverse group of local and international artists and is a collaborative effort with artist Julie Gauthron from the French NGO Collectif Habitante. It is supported by Home for Cooperation, adding further depth to the project.
Exploring Home and Identity
The exhibition is held in a symbolic building located directly within the buffer zone between the Ledras and Lokmaci checkpoints. Here, artists explore various perspectives on how homes and the concept of home can be reimagined, particularly in a divided city like Nicosia. The exhibition is especially poignant, as it coincides with a significant milestone: 50 years since the events of 1974 and 60 years since the establishment of the UN peacekeeping force, Unficyp.
According to the organisers, “A house provides the essential space for life to flourish, while a home represents a nurturing, protective environment that shapes one’s identity. However, the concept of home is not static; it often requires reinvention, especially when disrupted by conflict or displacement. The absence of a home, for any reason, intensifies its importance.”
The exhibition focuses on the reimagining of ‘home’, addressing the potential for both political and social transformation, and also highlighting the emotional weight of the “unfinished house” and the idea of the house as a fragile body.
Engaging with Cypriot Audiences
The exhibition seeks to engage Cypriots in a thought-provoking dialogue about what home means to them. “Home is a concept that transcends both time and place. It is deeply rooted in the human need for belonging, yet also intertwined with issues of injustice and displacement,” say the organisers. Through this lens, the exhibition encourages reflection on the powerful, and sometimes painful, resonance of the term home.
Artists and Curator
The exhibition brings together the artistic works of Efi Savvides, Sümer Erek, Julie Gauthron, Nafia Akdeniz, and Anaïs Llobet. These artists contribute unique perspectives, all curated under the vision of Alessandro Vincentelli, who has masterfully guided the overall narrative of the exhibition.
Exhibition Details
Imagining Home – Between the Walls is a group art exhibition held in the buffer zone of Nicosia and organised by D6:EU. The exhibition runs until October 31st, and visitors can view the works from Wednesday to Friday, 5pm-9pm, and on Saturdays, 11am-7pm. The exhibition location is at the Ledras-Lokmaci checkpoint, Nicosia.
For more information, visit D6:EU’s website.
Conclusion
Through the thoughtful reimagining of home and identity, this exhibition not only highlights the trauma of displacement but also sparks a conversation about the possibility of reinvention and healing. It’s an invitation for visitors to reflect on their own notions of home, while also contemplating its wider social and political implications.