Sema Maskili
Sema Maskili was born in Edirne in 1980. She lives and works in Istanbul. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Department of Painting at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.
Maskili is a contemporary figurative artist whose practice centres on themes such as barbarism, violence, bullying, oppression, abuse and existentialism.
In her work, she examines the tension between ethical structures and primitive human instincts. She often treats the human body as a site where conflict and psychological struggle unfold.
To date, she has held six solo exhibitions and participated in numerous international group exhibitions, art fairs, workshops and symposiums.
The recipient of two international awards, the artist’s works are held in private collections in various countries around the world.
“I portray human beings as beings caught between ethical values and animal instincts.”
Eyes Linger, Mind Follows
Paris, France
Winter Virtual Group Exhibition
Royal Blue Gallery, London, United Kingdom
SCA International Virtual Juried Exhibition
Toronto, Canada
Luxembourg Art Prize
Pinacothèque Museum, Luxembourg
Award of Excellence / Best in Show
SCA International Open Juried Exhibition, Canada
The struggle between ethical values and primitive instincts
We live in a world where social norms and moral values are often shaped by those who hold power.
Throughout my life, I have been deeply affected by the bullying, oppression and violence people inflict upon one another. Observing humanity’s relentless pursuit of power and dominance has become one of the primary sources of inspiration for my artistic practice.
In my work, I investigate primitive forms of human behaviour and depict individuals as beings caught between ethical values and animal instincts.
I am interested in the tension between civilisation and barbarism, empathy and aggression, and the delicate boundary that separates them.
“I explore the delicate boundary between civilisation and barbarism, empathy and aggression.”
Influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the “will to power,” I examine power not only as a social structure but also as an instinctive force that guides human actions and relationships.
Through expressionist figurative paintings, I approach violence and aggression as inherent characteristics of human nature.
I create dynamic compositions of bodies that collide, resist and confront one another.
These encounters make psychological conflict, vulnerability and the complex relationships between domination and resistance visible.
Through my work, I question the primitive drives that persist beneath the surface of contemporary society and the ongoing struggle between humanity’s ethical ideals and instinctive impulses.
“I question the primitive drives that persist beneath the surface of contemporary society.”
