By Heidi Trautmann

I remember well the afternoon when I met Mustafa Hastürk for the first time in his studio in Nicosia for an interview which was published in 2007 in Cyprus Today and later made part of my book ‘Art and Creativity in North Cyprus’ Volume I.

Soft music played in the background, the Ney, a wind instrument used in classic Turkish music, while we talked about art, his work in general and other worldly matters.

Mustafa has always been a very balanced person seeking the balance in the universe, his universe, which included - besides painting - art and culture of his country, justice and peace.

One can well see that Mustafa Hastürk’s concern is not only his personal relationship to art but also the space all around art, when one opens the catalogue that was given out on the occasion of his Retrospective exhibition at the Atatürk Cultural and Congress Centre at the Near East University. He introduced many good things to the art scene in North Cyprus in his position as Director of the Cultural Department and later curating art events at the Near East University; he has created the space where art became established as a public treasure. Many colleagues, friends and art lovers came to celebrate with him the opening evening in the freshly reopened Art Centre.

He regards himself as a researcher with questions such as:

-How is music influencing the artist, how does the rhythm have an impact on the brushwork, on the choice of colours, on the composition;

-Reflections of Chaos on Art;

-Impact of Social Issues on Painting;

-the Social Status of Women;

-The Healing Effect of Art;

Over the years I have followed Mustafa Hastürk’s work and projects and commented on his exhibitions. See the links of two below.

http://www.heiditrautmann.com/category.aspx?CID=8176627375#.W91Vz9UzaUk

http://www.heiditrautmann.com/category.aspx?CID=6231756856#.W91WpNUzaUk

In his catalogue he also explains the course his road has taken him to abstract painting:

“My paintings during this period are colourful, vibrant and positive enough to make the viewer feel the warmth of the Mediterranean. My paintings reflect my philosophy of life. Whatever happens, they are positive and full of hope. Their warmth and sincerity surrounds the viewer and heals him spiritually.”

The Retrospective Exhibition has 69 works to show at the AKKM at the Near East University until 12 November, on weekdays 10:00 – 18:00, Saturday 10:00 – 13:00 hrs.