Exploring the Power of Photography at Nicosia International Airport
An upcoming exhibition at Isnotgallery Contemporary poses profound questions: “How much truth can a photograph convey? How deeply can a photographic moment capture history, and how much emotion can the lens endure?” These queries are at the heart of a compelling showcase by renowned Cypriot photographer Andros Efstathiou, hosted under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides.
A Fifty-Year Journey Through the Lens
Efstathiou’s evocative collection encapsulates five decades of Cypriot history, offering a narrative that is both concise and deeply revealing. Each photograph has taken on a life of its own, weaving a vivid tapestry of the island’s past.
“This collection is rooted in truth,” Efstathiou states, reflecting on its impact since its initial unveiling in Nicosia in 2012. The collection has since traveled to Thessaloniki’s Photobiennale in 2014, Athens’ Evripides Art Gallery in 2017, and the European Central Bank in Frankfurt later that same year.
Messages of Renewal Amid the Ruins
With a metaphysical aesthetic and theatrical settings, Efstathiou’s work uses stark contrasts to emphasize human resilience amid historical ruins. His photographs transform the dilapidated Nicosia International Airport from an abandoned relic into a dynamic living space. These images offer a fragmented narrative of those who witnessed the final inbound flight on July 20, 1974, immortalizing their memories in hauntingly vivid detail.
Donning period-accurate uniforms, the participants in his photographs evoke a surreal atmosphere, as if anticipating an announcement for an impossible next flight.
An Obstacle-Filled Adventure
Efstathiou’s journey to capture these images was fraught with challenges. Navigating strict restrictions surrounding the Dead Zone, he defied both logistical and creative barriers. For him, the airport symbolizes more than a partition or the Green Line; it is a testament to Cypriot perseverance.
His dedication spanned five years, with the project coinciding with a round of bicommunal peace talks. “The concept of photographing people at the abandoned Nicosia Airport lingered in my mind for years,” Efstathiou reveals. A combination of fortune and persistence allowed him to realize this vision—one shaped by stories of the Turkish invasion and the images ingrained in his mind since childhood.
A Mirror for the Past and a Bridge to the Future
Efstathiou’s photographs resonate deeply with Cypriots who lived through the invasion, allowing them to see fragments of themselves within the images. For younger generations, his work serves as a time capsule, offering an intimate glimpse into a critical chapter of Cyprus’s history.
“No matter how much time passes, this project will remain a part of me,” Efstathiou reflects. The series has become a defining feature of his identity as both a photographer and a person, while the Nicosia International Airport remains frozen in time under the control of the United Nations.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition by Andros Efstathiou runs from December 13 to February 6 at Isnotgallery in Nicosia.
- Opening Night: December 13, 7:00 PM
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Contact: Tel: 99-569498
This exhibition promises to be an extraordinary exploration of photography’s ability to capture truth, evoke emotion, and preserve history.
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