The graduation exhibition of Erbil Arkın and Sevda Orr, the first graduates of Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design’s (ARUCAD) Master’s Programme, was unveiled to the audience with an opening cocktail held on the evening of Thursday, June 22nd, at the Art Space in Nicosia.
Starting in 2020, ARUCAD began offering Master’s Programmes in the fields of Art and Architectural Design. In the 2022-2023 Academic Year, the university produced its first Master’s graduates. The Master’s graduates in Art, Erbil Arkın, who is also the founder of the university, and Sevda Orr, inaugurated their graduation exhibition at ARUCAD’s Art Space.
The exhibition features unique works by the two ARUCAD Master’s students who passed through the evaluation of the academic jury at the conclusion of their programme.
ARUCAD Founder and Art Master’s Programme graduate Erbil Arkın said: “It was always on my to-do list”
Erbil Arkın, Founder of ARUCAD and a graduate of the Art Master’s Programme, stated, “After completing my undergraduate studies in the Industrial Design Department at De Montfort University, I have now completed my Master’s in art 50 years later. This was always on my to-do list. Back then, after graduating from De Montfort University, I didn’t have the time or budget to pursue a Master’s degree. Therefore, I immediately entered the workforce. I am happy to have seized this opportunity now. Throughout my life, a part of me always wanted to engage in art. As the founder of the university, I also wanted to observe the inner workings of the university whilst pursuing my Master’s. At the end of this long and exciting process, this exhibition emerged along with my graduation project ‘The Noble Peasant’ and other works. I am one of the university’s first Master’s graduates. It has been a fantastic experience for me. I wish you all a good viewing experience. I took immense pleasure in creating these works.”
ARUCAD Art Master’s Programme graduate Sevda Orr: “Being one of the first Master’s graduates of the University is incredibly exciting”
Sevda Orr, a graduate of the Art Master’s Programme, commented on the exhibition: “Being one of the first graduates of ARUCAD’s Master’s Programme is incredibly exciting. The purpose of my work is to create a series of temporary installations specific to the field, using different forms against the diversity of natural environments. The work explores the applicability of clay, glass, and copper wire. It was created using traditional materials and experimental techniques. My aim was to maximise the complementary relationships between man-made objects and natural environments, while drawing attention to the beauty and art within nature.”
ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi: “As the first graduates of the Art Master’s Programme, they have achieved projects that will create an impact”
Emphasising that it was a special and proud day for ARUCAD, university Rector, Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi stated: “This year, we are witnessing the first graduates of the Master’s Programmes for which we received approval from the Ministry of National Education and YÖDAK (Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council) three years ago. Our Art Master’s Programme graduates, Erbil Arkın and Sevda Orr, have presented their graduation projects. Erbil Arkın, despite being a busy businessman, displays the effort he put into creating these works in this exhibition. Sevda Orr has also produced very valuable works that highlight the art that exists within nature. I congratulate both of our graduates. As the first graduates of the Art Master’s Programme, they have achieved projects that will make an impact.”
The ARUCAD Master’s Graduates Student Exhibition, which opened on the evening of Thursday, June 22nd, at the ARUCAD Art Space in Nicosia, can be visited until August 22nd
