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Artist's Controversial Painting Depicts Cypriot President

Published January 21, 2026, 09:11
Artist's Controversial Painting Depicts Cypriot President

Cypriot painter Giorgos Gavriel has sparked controversy with his latest work, which depicts the President of the Republic in a provocative manner, linking him to a scandal stemming from leaked visual material. Mr. Gavriel argues that art is intended to provoke thought and discussion, even if it means addressing sensitive issues or shocking the public. He believes that artists act as sensitive receptors of society, expressing the concerns and emotions of their time. Art historians and curators agree that art has the right to be provocative, but also recognize the responsibility that artists bear for the impact of their work. Mr. Gavriel himself states that the President “doesn’t need me to harm the institution,” referring to his previous actions and policies.