Nicosia, Cyprus. Unknown attackers hurled an explosive device at artist George Gavriel’s home on December 18, causing minimal damage but alarming his family. The incident followed public backlash over his paintings and the closure of an exhibition in Paphos.
Explosive device thrown at Nicosia home
Gavriel’s house, located on a small dead-end street on the outskirts of Nicosia, was targeted in a drive-by attack in which an explosive device was thrown and detonated with a loud bang. The attackers have not been identified.
Attack linked to dispute over paintings
The target of the attack was described as Gavriel’s work, which critics had labelled “blasphemous.” The incident followed the closure of his exhibition in Paphos days earlier.
Social media and political reaction
The controversy escalated after a collage posted by Disy MP Efthymios Diplaros, which blended elements from different paintings, including some not included in the exhibition.
Previous backlash and disciplinary investigation
Gavriel said similar reactions were expected and referenced earlier controversy in 2020, when his paintings prompted complaints from the Archbishopric and Eoka veterans’ associations. At the time, he was working as a teacher and headmaster, and the ministry of education launched a disciplinary investigation against him.
Artist discusses exposure and exhibitions
Gavriel said he rarely exhibits abroad and had recently returned from a week in China, where he showed work at a Biennale in Beijing. He said gallery owners were not proactive in arranging overseas opportunities and that he did not particularly care about self-promotion.
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