Regardless of their individual backgrounds, culture, and customs, all countries across the world share a common language, and that is artistic expression. We all have the need to convey feelings of fear, hope, love, and more and proceed to do so through art.

Cyprus of course, is no different, as talented Cypriots have spread the island’s reputation far and wide through their inspiring work.

Besides the individual plaudits they receive, internationally renowned Cypriot artists shine the global spotlight on the island, as their work reflects their upbringing, their experiences, and the country’s artistic infrastructure that eventually led them to such heights.

Numerous art pieces by Cypriot artists also open a window to history, educating people from every corner of the world about the tragedies that have afflicted the island throughout its rich history.

This expression of collective pain and injustice sends a message that resonates with people who have lived through any sort of oppression, while also opening the eyes of those who have had the privilege of a peaceful life.

Naturally, such exposure has a positive impact on tourism, Cyprus’ most traditionally thriving industry. The more people know and understand about the Cypriot way of life, the more they consider it as their next travel destination.

This phenomenon, in conjunction with the country’s multifaceted development in recent years have created a self-sustaining system of rising and existing artistic waves that maintain the country’s position in the global landscape.

Who are some of the most prominent artists behind these waves?

Phanos Kyriacou: Born in Nicosia in 1977, Phanos Kyriacou has an impressive portfolio that spans across several artistic fields, including sculpture, installation, and performance. His work has been exhibited internationally, from New York and London, to Berlin and Paris, and he represented Cyprus in the 2013 Venice Biennale. 

Through his art, he aims to explore Cyprus’ unique modern-day identity, as well as its segmented reality through an authentic and unfiltered lens that provides an image that resonates with people of all ways of life.

Lia Haraki: Through her years of experience, Lia Haraki has written her own history in the Cypriot art scene, as her unique choreographic “voice” has inspired others to pursue expression through contemporary dance and performance. 

Her work has traveled across Europe, including festivals like Julidans in Amsterdam, and venues such as the Royal Festival Hall in London, and BOZAR in Brussels, among others.

Maria Hassabi: A choreographer, performer and visual artist, Maria Hassabi has been expressing the intricacies of the relationship between the live body, the still image, and the sculptural object since the early 2000s.

Her art has its own very distinct signature, making it a breath of fresh air in the performative arts, which is evident by its high international appeal. 

The award-winning artist has performed in multiple countries around the world, including Italy, Austria, the US, Switzerland, and Germany, among others.

>> Read also: Cypriot Artists Making Waves <<

This artistic rise and international success didn’t occur by chance or overnight. It was fueled by years of investment in the local arts and providing solid foundations for Cypriots to find their voice and thrive on a global scale.

From the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Youth to institutions such as the Cyprus Theater Association, and the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, artists in Cyprus have been provided with a robust infrastructure that enables them to express themselves to a wide, receptive audience.

Relevant initiatives and collaborations with authorities like embassies and European artistic networks have allowed the local scene to cross borders and explode in popularity over the years.