KEMAL BEHCET CAYMAZ was born in 1989, in the coastal city of Kyrenia in Cyprus. His elementary and secondary educations were at Girne American Elementary School and Girne American College. In 2003 he attended Nicosia Anatolian High School of Fine Arts and started studying art. During this time his passion for writing has began. He wrote several stories for the school magazine. In 2007 he graduated from high school moving on to the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design - Department of Plastic Arts. In 2011, he graduated from the university in painting and elective ceramic majors as well as opening his first solo exhibition ‘Once Upon A Time’ (Bir Varmış Bir Yokmuş). The Once Upon A Time series was exhibited at the United Nations building in the Buffer Zone where the Cyprus talks take place. In 2014, he was awarded the Artist of the Year award in the Young Artists Painting Competition of the North Cyprus. Later he represented the North Cyprus at the 17th Türksoy Festival meeting the Artists in Sheiki, Azerbaijan. Commencing in 2014, he wrote and illustrated the first book of the SAPPHIRE series “The Promised Time” it being published by Dante Publishing in 2016 as the first fantasy novel set in Cyprus. He successfully completed his post graduate studies in 2017 at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University on painting major at Nedret Sekban Atelier with his thesis on “Different Child Images in Painting from the 20th Century to the Present”. In the same year he received an honourable mention in the Young Artists Painting Competition of North Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture, Directorate of Culture Department. A year later in 2018 he was awarded with his series called “Artık Yeter” (It’s enough) by the Directorate of Culture of the North Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture, dedicated to the children who passed away. Sapphire “The Promised Time” and “The Eternal Love” Turkish edition published by Işık Kitabevi in 2020. He was awarded “Fantasy Novel Incentive Award” in the Ali Nesim Literature Awards. He worked as an instructor in the Plastic Arts Department of the American University of Cyprus between in 2018-2022. He is a board member of Association of Paper Artists of Cyprus and also a member of European Mediterranean Art Association (EMAA) and Fantasy and Science Fiction Association (FABISAD). He has participated in many national and international exhibitions and seminars and he is currently working as an art teacher in schools affiliated with the Department of General Secondary Education in Ministry of National Education.
AWARDS:
2021: Ali Nesim Literature Awards, Fantasy Novel Encouragement Award, Nicosia - Cyprus.
2018: Young Artists Painting Competition Award, Nicosia - Cyprus.
2017: Young Artists Painting Competition Honorable Mention, Nicosia - Cyprus.
2014: Young Artists Painting Competition Award, Nicosia - Cyprus.
PUBLISHED BOOKS:
2023: Sapphire – Book Two “The Eternal Love”(English Translation) - Amazon Publishing, UK.
2020: Safir – İkinci Kitap “Yegane Aşk” (Turkish) - Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Nicosia, Cyprus - Kalkedon Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
2020: Safir – Birinci Kitap "Müjdelenen Zaman"(Turkish), Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Nicosia-Cyprus - Kalkedon Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
2019: Sapphire Book One "The Promised Time", Amazon Publishing, UK.
2016: Safir - Birinci Kitap "Müjdelenen Zaman"(Turkish), Dante Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
ILLUSTRATED BOOKS:
2024: "Aysevin and Rıdvan in the Wetland" - Asuman Korukoğlu, Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation X “Fig Tree”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation IX “Bittir Bit”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation VII “The King's Daughter and the Rose Garden”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation VI “Gundiro the Fox”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation V “Eyilik”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation II "13 Riddles", Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation I "Basdelli", Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2020: Superheroes at Home, Sophie's Stories, England.
2020: Safir – İkinci Kitap “Yegane Aşk” (Turkish) - Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Nicosia, Cyprus - Kalkedon Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
2020: Safir – Birinci Kitap "Müjdelenen Zaman"(Turkish), Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Nicosia-Cyprus - Kalkedon Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
2019: Sapphire Book One "The Promised Time", Amazon Publishing, UK.
2016: Safir - Birinci Kitap "Müjdelenen Zaman"(Turkish), Dante Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
EXHIBITIONS:
2023:
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists – Association of Turkish Paper Artists “Paper Touch 2” Group Exhibition. Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, Ankara, Turkey.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists SAPPHIRE "The Eternal Love" Exhibition. Bellapais Monastery, Cellar Kyrenia, Cyprus.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists – Association of Turkish Paper Artists “Paper Touch 5” Group Exhibition. Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
2022:
- "In Support Of Life" Exhibition for Makarios Hospital Children's Ward, Electricity Authority Headquarters Building, South Nicosia, Cyprus.
- European Mediterranean Art Association – EMAA Art Auction II Exhibition, 55-57 Social Space, Aabahmet Nicosia, Cyprus.
2021:
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists – Association of Turkish Paper Artists “Postal Artist Books” Group Exhibition. Aya Haralambos Church, Çeşme, Izmir, Turkey.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists – Association of Turkish Paper Artists “Postal Artist Books” Group Exhibition. Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, Ankara, Turkey.
- European Mediterranean Art Association – EMAA Art Auction Exhibition, Bedesten, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- "Celebration and Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Our National Anthem" Exhibition, Uşak University, Uşak, Turkey.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists “Postal Artist Books” Exhibition, 55-57 Social Space, Arabahmet Nicosia, Cyprus.
- "Open and Honorable" LGBT-themed Group Exhibition, EMAA Capital Art Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- City, Human, Art - Painting, Glass, Ceramic, Sculpture Exhibition, Güzelyurt City Museum and Exhibition Hall, Güzelyurt, Cyprus.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists “Paper Touch” Exhibition, Studio No: 54, Cyprus American University Campus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- TRNC Young Artists Painting Competition Exhibition, Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus (Award).
2019:
- "Open and Honorable" LGBT Themed Group Exhibition, EMAA Capital Art Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- "City, Human, Art - Painting, Glass, Ceramic, Sculpture" Exhibition, Güzelyurt City Museum and Exhibition Hall, Güzelyurt, Cyprus.
2018:
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists “Paper Touch” Exhibition, Atelier No:54, Cyprus American University Campus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- TRNC Young Artists Painting Competition Exhibition, Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus (Award).
- "Human, Space, Memory - Painting, Glass, Ceramic, Sculpture" Exhibition, Güzelyurt Municipality City Museum and Exhibition Hall, Güzelyurt, Cyprus.
- "Neither the Fight Ended Nor the Love" LGBT Themed Group Exhibition, Emaa Capital Art Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Artivist Art Workshop "T" Art Festival Exhibition, Surlariçi, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists "Paper Touch 2" Exhibition, SOL Exhibition Hall, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- "Settling into Life" Emaa Installation Exhibition, Pikadilli, Famagusta, Cyprus.
- Workshop Exhibition with Artists, EMAA Capital Art Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
2017:
- TRNC Young Artists Painting Competition Exhibition, Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus (Honorable Mention).
- Eastern Mediterranean University Art Triangle Exhibition, EMU Activity Center, Famagusta, Cyprus.
2016:
- Cyprus Paper Artists Association "Paper Touch" Exhibition, İsmet Vehit Güney Exhibition Hall, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- SAFİR "The Promised Time" Book Promotion Exhibition, Bedesten, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- TRNC Young Artists Painting Competition Exhibition, Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
AWARDS:
2021: Ali Nesim Literature Awards, Fantasy Novel Encouragement Award, Nicosia - Cyprus.
2018: Young Artists Painting Competition Award, Nicosia - Cyprus.
2017: Young Artists Painting Competition Honorable Mention, Nicosia - Cyprus.
2014: Young Artists Painting Competition Award, Nicosia - Cyprus.
PUBLISHED BOOKS:
2023: Sapphire – Book Two “The Eternal Love”(English Translation) - Amazon Publishing, UK.
2020: Safir – İkinci Kitap “Yegane Aşk” (Turkish) - Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Nicosia, Cyprus - Kalkedon Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
2020: Safir – Birinci Kitap "Müjdelenen Zaman"(Turkish), Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Nicosia-Cyprus - Kalkedon Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
2019: Sapphire Book One "The Promised Time", Amazon Publishing, UK.
2016: Safir - Birinci Kitap "Müjdelenen Zaman"(Turkish), Dante Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
ILLUSTRATED BOOKS:
2024: "Aysevin and Rıdvan in the Wetland" - Asuman Korukoğlu, Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation X “Fig Tree”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation IX “Bittir Bit”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation VII “The King's Daughter and the Rose Garden”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation VI “Gundiro the Fox”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation V “Eyilik”, Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation II "13 Riddles", Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2021: Cyprus Folk Tales Compilation I "Basdelli", Ministry of Culture Publications, Cyprus.
2020: Superheroes at Home, Sophie's Stories, England.
2020: Safir – İkinci Kitap “Yegane Aşk” (Turkish) - Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Nicosia, Cyprus - Kalkedon Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
2020: Safir – Birinci Kitap "Müjdelenen Zaman"(Turkish), Işık Kitabevi Publishing, Nicosia-Cyprus - Kalkedon Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
2019: Sapphire Book One "The Promised Time", Amazon Publishing, UK.
2016: Safir - Birinci Kitap "Müjdelenen Zaman"(Turkish), Dante Publishing, Istanbul, Turkey.
EXHIBITIONS:
2023:
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists – Association of Turkish Paper Artists “Paper Touch 2” Group Exhibition. Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, Ankara, Turkey.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists SAPPHIRE "The Eternal Love" Exhibition. Bellapais Monastery, Cellar Kyrenia, Cyprus.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists – Association of Turkish Paper Artists “Paper Touch 5” Group Exhibition. Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
2022:
- "In Support Of Life" Exhibition for Makarios Hospital Children's Ward, Electricity Authority Headquarters Building, South Nicosia, Cyprus.
- European Mediterranean Art Association – EMAA Art Auction II Exhibition, 55-57 Social Space, Aabahmet Nicosia, Cyprus.
2021:
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists – Association of Turkish Paper Artists “Postal Artist Books” Group Exhibition. Aya Haralambos Church, Çeşme, Izmir, Turkey.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists – Association of Turkish Paper Artists “Postal Artist Books” Group Exhibition. Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, Ankara, Turkey.
- European Mediterranean Art Association – EMAA Art Auction Exhibition, Bedesten, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- "Celebration and Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Our National Anthem" Exhibition, Uşak University, Uşak, Turkey.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists “Postal Artist Books” Exhibition, 55-57 Social Space, Arabahmet Nicosia, Cyprus.
- "Open and Honorable" LGBT-themed Group Exhibition, EMAA Capital Art Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- City, Human, Art - Painting, Glass, Ceramic, Sculpture Exhibition, Güzelyurt City Museum and Exhibition Hall, Güzelyurt, Cyprus.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists “Paper Touch” Exhibition, Studio No: 54, Cyprus American University Campus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- TRNC Young Artists Painting Competition Exhibition, Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus (Award).
2019:
- "Open and Honorable" LGBT Themed Group Exhibition, EMAA Capital Art Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- "City, Human, Art - Painting, Glass, Ceramic, Sculpture" Exhibition, Güzelyurt City Museum and Exhibition Hall, Güzelyurt, Cyprus.
2018:
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists “Paper Touch” Exhibition, Atelier No:54, Cyprus American University Campus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- TRNC Young Artists Painting Competition Exhibition, Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus (Award).
- "Human, Space, Memory - Painting, Glass, Ceramic, Sculpture" Exhibition, Güzelyurt Municipality City Museum and Exhibition Hall, Güzelyurt, Cyprus.
- "Neither the Fight Ended Nor the Love" LGBT Themed Group Exhibition, Emaa Capital Art Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Artivist Art Workshop "T" Art Festival Exhibition, Surlariçi, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Association of Cyprus Paper Artists "Paper Touch 2" Exhibition, SOL Exhibition Hall, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- "Settling into Life" Emaa Installation Exhibition, Pikadilli, Famagusta, Cyprus.
- Workshop Exhibition with Artists, EMAA Capital Art Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
2017:
- TRNC Young Artists Painting Competition Exhibition, Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus (Honorable Mention).
- Eastern Mediterranean University Art Triangle Exhibition, EMU Activity Center, Famagusta, Cyprus.
2016:
- Cyprus Paper Artists Association "Paper Touch" Exhibition, İsmet Vehit Güney Exhibition Hall, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- SAFİR "The Promised Time" Book Promotion Exhibition, Bedesten, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- TRNC Young Artists Painting Competition Exhibition, Atatürk Cultural Center, Nicosia, Cyprus.
