Ňina Lazarou is truly honored and overjoyed to share that my piece, “Lost Since 1974” has won first prize in the 3-D category at the Cowbridge Open Art Exhibition.
This recognition holds deep significance for me, as this work is not just an artistic expression but a tribute to my grandparents and the countless others who endured the hardships of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
“Lost Since 1974” is a deeply personal piece that reflects my connection to a painful chapter in my family’s history. My grandparents were among the many who were forced to flee their homes during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, leaving behind everything they knew and loved.
While Lost Since 1974 is a tribute to my grandparents and the Cypriots of their generation, it also speaks to the broader, ongoing refugee crisis that affects millions of people around the world today. The displacement that my grandparents experienced is tragically mirrored in the lives of so many who are currently fleeing war, persecution, and natural disasters.
In this piece, I honour both my grandparents’ legacy and the broader human experience of loss, resilience, and hope.