Controversy surrounding art exhibition at Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre

A public controversy has emerged in Nicosia regarding the exhibition 'A Slight Indisposition' at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (NiMac). The focus of the criticism is the inclusion of the artwork 'A Lost Moment' by Turkish Cypriot artist Emin Cizenel, who is alleged to have designed the flag of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the Pentadaktylos mountains. Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos stated that the municipality had no involvement in the organization or curation of the exhibition. Prountzos clarified that he was unaware of the event and did not attend the opening, emphasizing that the Municipal Council does not approve individual artworks. NiMac issued an official statement noting that the disputed work is part of the State Collection, acquired by the Republic of Cyprus around 2007. The center stated that the piece has been exhibited multiple times in the past without incident. NiMac further emphasized its artistic autonomy and announced plans to evaluate the public concerns raised during an emergency meeting. The Mayor has urged the center's management to address these concerns in a timely manner.