Risky Travels

The European Capital of Culture Pafos2017 presents a joint exhibition with works of the Cypriot artists Andy Adamos (Hadjiadamos) and Baki Bogac, which sums up a true story, indicative of the power of art in overcoming differences, barriers and borders.

Baki Bogac, architect and sculptor, discovered and saved sculptures, paintings, photos and other objects which Andy Hadjiadamos left behind in Ammochostos, when the town’s Greek Cypriot residents were evicted in 1974. Two decades later, in 1993, the artworks that during all these years were safeguarded by Baki, were finally delivered back to Andy Hadjiadamou’s family in Pafos. Ironically, Andy passed away in 1990, aged only 54. Since then his family maintains a close relationship with Baki Bogac, whom they invited to Pafos, on the occasion of the European Capital of Culture, to meet Andy Hadjiadamos for the first time - symbolically speaking - in a joint exhibition. The exhibition is curated by Sergis Hadjiadamos and Yiannis Sakellis.

The story

In 1976, two years after the Turkish invasion, a special mission, sent by the occupying forces, records the abandoned buildings in the city of Famagusta. Part of this mission is Turkish Cypriot architect and sculptor Baki Bogac. Baki visits the area many times, with an escort of soldiers. At some point he enters a house, and being an artist himself, he is impressed by what he sees: sculptures, paintings, photographs on the floor, catalogues of the owner’s participation in several international art exhibitions. It was Andy Adamos’ art studio. Reading his biography from the catalogues he found, he realised that he was in the studio of an important artist. He asked to take a few items, but the soldiers didn’t allow it.

Baki confided his story to the American Council’s Director, and during an art exhibition titled “Brushstrokes Across Cultures”, he asked for her help to deliver this collection to its rightful owner. The delivery took place in 1993, three years after Adamos’ death.

The whole project was conceived and is promoted by the family of Andy Adamos as a token of gratitude towards Baki Bogac for the return of the artworks of Andy Adamos. The returned artworks will hold a special place at the exhibition, while, simultaneously, will include sculptures from different creative periods of the two artists.