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surrealist or even - at times - harshly realist.
We, the politicians, often say that we deal with
day-to-day issues, that we are pragmatic. We
also often say that we like to resolve – or in the
opinions of others to create – problems.
Regardless, politicians and artists are united
by a crucial common point: politicians, as well
as artists, have an obligation to contribute to
the development of society, of a world with
critically thinking citizens. Each, with their
own way and means: politicians, with their
interventions and with legislation, and artists,
with the sharpening of senses and the quest of
meaning beyond the obvious.
Fine art is a concept inextricably linked and
traditionally associated with culture. In their
contemporary form, fine arts touch on history,
archaeology, on each and every science, even
on politics.
As I read the impressive biography of today’s
honouree, it is evident that Christodoulos
Panayiotou has achieved distinctions through
his art, in a cosmopolitan manner, achieving
something that for many seems perhaps
impossible: to live on the edge of the world
–if you allow me that expression- and to do so
by utilizing at times even a tiny old picture of
our small island.
While there are many distinguished
personalities, experts on art who can testify
to the artistic stature of Christodoulos
Panayiotou, I wish to highlight the fact that
Christodoulos is a most well-educated citizen
of the world. He is someone who can create
art in Brazil with references to the history
of Cyprus. And what is remarkable is that
wherever he is, he manages to stir the interest
of the audience.
I congratulate you on your choice; I
congratulate the international committee of
critics, based in Paris, for the challenging task
it has successfully carried out.
The Nemitsas Award is a relatively new
institution, which becomes more important
every year with its exceptional, timely and
topical choices. It brings to the forefront
distinguished Cypriots, who live and work
abroad or in Cyprus, whom we would
probably have never had the opportunity to
meet, had the Nemitsas Foundation not taken
the excellent initiative to honour them.
I would like to highlight the particular
Reception party in the Gardens of the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, following the ceremony
