Reflecting on a Divided Island: Toula Liasi’s Exhibition of Resilience and Memory
In the heart of Larnaca, the Municipal Art Gallery has become a vessel for history, personal struggle, and the resilience of a community. The gallery recently inaugurated an exhibition titled ‘Synchronising History,’ showcasing the works of Toula Liasi, a Karpasia artist whose life was irrevocably changed by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. This year marks half a century since that pivotal moment, and Liasi’s exhibition is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of those events.
Liasi’s exhibition is not just an artistic endeavor but a compilation of personal memories and a tribute to the enclaved Greek Cypriots of Karpasia who chose to remain in their homes despite the division of the island. The artist herself was among those who faced the dilemma of staying or leaving. At 17, she experienced the invasion first-hand and later pursued her education in Athens and The Netherlands, all while holding onto the memories of her homeland.
The objects on display are more than mere artifacts; they are storytellers of an era, encapsulating 88 years of familial and communal history. From linen to household utensils, each item is a silent witness to the lives lived in the shadow of conflict and division. Liasi’s parents, who remained enclaved in their village until their passing, treated these objects with reverence, packing them in wooden boxes as a symbol of readiness and resistance.
Liasi’s work transcends personal narrative, aiming to create an “artistic monument” where individual and collective memories converge. Her art serves as a testament to the enclaved people’s existence, ensuring their stories do not fade into oblivion. The exhibition includes over 55 multimedia artworks, including paintings, photographs, videos, and installations, all focusing on her paternal home and its contents.
The artist’s dedication to preserving these memories extends beyond mere curation. She meticulously classifies, catalogs, and processes each object, imbuing them with new life and meaning. Through her art, Liasi seeks to keep the memory of these objects alive, reminding us that art is inextricably linked with life’s realities.
Liasi’s previous projects, such as Achaeans Coast and Rusted Evidence, similarly focused on the enclaved Cypriots’ experiences. Her most personal project, Where Have You Been?, was inspired by her brother Yiannakis Liasi, who went missing during the invasion and was later identified through DNA analysis.
The exhibition ‘Synchronising History’ not only showcases Liasi’s evolving artistic vision but also serves as a platform for reflection on a turbulent past. It invites visitors to engage with a history that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The exhibition will be open until July 31, offering a unique opportunity to explore Liasi’s world and the indelible mark left by history on the lives of many.
For more information on Toula Liasi and her work, visit her website at www.toulaliasi.nl.
