Sema Maskili

Artist

Sema Maskili

Sema Maskili was born in Edirne in 1980. She lives and continues her work in Istanbul. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in the Painting Department of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University .

Maskili is a contemporary figurative artist who places themes such as barbarism, violence, tyranny, oppression, abuse, and existentialism at the center of her artistic practice.

In her works, she examines the tension between ethical structures and primitive human instincts. She often treats the human body as a space where conflict and psychological struggle take place.

To date, she has held six solo exhibitions and participated in numerous international group exhibitions, art fairs, workshops, and symposiums.

The artist, who has received two international awards, has works in private collections in various countries around the world.

“I view people as beings trapped between ethical values and animalistic instincts.”

Selected Group Exhibitions
2025

Eyes Linger, Mind Follows
Paris, France

2023

Winter Virtual Group Exhibition
Royal Blue Gallery, London, United Kingdom

2022

SCA International Virtual Juried Exhibition
Toronto, Canada

Selected Awards
2022

Luxembourg Art Prize
Pinacothèque Museum, Luxembourg

2022

Award for Excellence / Best Exhibition
SCA International Open Juried Exhibition, Canada

Artist Statement

The struggle between ethical values and primitive instincts

We live in a world where societal norms and moral values are often shaped by those in power.

Throughout my life, I have been deeply affected by the bullying, oppression, and violence people inflict upon each other. Observing humanity's endless quest for power and dominance has become one of the main inspirations for my artistic practice.

In my works, I explore the primitive forms of human behavior; I depict individuals as beings trapped between ethical values and animalistic instincts.

I am interested in the tension between civilization and barbarism, empathy and aggression, and the delicate boundary that separates them.

“I explore the delicate boundary between civilization and barbarism, empathy and aggression.”

Influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the “will to power,” I examine power not only as a social construct but also as an instinctive force that guides human actions and relationships.

Through expressive figurative paintings, I address violence and aggression as inherent characteristics of human nature.

I create dynamic compositions consisting of bodies that collide, resist, and confront each other.

These encounters reveal psychological conflict, vulnerability, and the complex relationships between dominance and resistance.

Through my works, I question the primitive impulses that persist beneath the surface of contemporary society and the ongoing struggle between humanity's ethical ideals and its instinctive inclinations.

“I question the primitive impulses that persist beneath the surface of contemporary society.”