Raised in Istanbul, Sema Culam cites the rich civilization of the region as a large influence in her work. Though she initially devoted her talent to figurative abstract painting, she has now embraced a new style, utilizing naïve art techniques. While characterized as simplistic, the beauty of her work delivers a strong impact. Culam’s work offers a guided tour through rural life and agrarian customs. Each painting is like an illustration from a storybook, filled with quaintness and charm and rich with meticulous details. Rhythmic patterns and harmonious colors dominate her paintings and depictions of lush gardens, rolling hills, and common folk working the land evoke a sense of tranquility and ideals of purity and kinship.

Sema Culam is an award-winning painter, having been praised for her talent since she was a young child. Her work has been widely exhibited and collected in her own country as well as throughout the world, including Japan, the United States and France.