About 

Semra Jelil is a London-based Balkan artist whose distinctive surrealist approach to ceramics has captivated audiences worldwide. Her journey in the art world began in Turkey, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Onsekiz Mart University, specializing in Traditional Arts & Decorative Applied Arts. This formal education laid the foundation for her unique artistic vision, blending traditional techniques with contemporary expressions.

Before her university studies, Semra honed her skills at the Suna Dogruyol Atelier in Istanbul, completing a Drawing and Painting Art Foundation Course. This early exposure to various artistic mediums would later influence her multifaceted approach to ceramics.

Artistic Development

Semra’s artistic journey took a significant turn when she developed her expertise as an art restorer in museums. This experience immersed her in historical art techniques and preservation practices, providing a deep understanding of artistic traditions that would later inform her own creations. Her work with renowned art brands and galleries further enriched her perspective, allowing her to merge traditional influences with a contemporary vision.

In 2016, Semra expanded her sculptural skills by completing a 12-week Still Life Sculpting Intensive at Camden Arts Centre in London. This experience further refined her ability to transform clay into evocative, dreamlike forms.

Artistic Style and Philosophy

Semra’s work is characterized by its exploration of the subconscious, inviting viewers into a world where reality and imagination intertwine. Her ceramics blur the boundaries between the tangible and the ethereal, embodying hidden emotions and symbolic narratives. This unique approach celebrates the fluidity of perception and the mystery of existence through a modern feminist and surrealist lens.

Drawing inspiration from her deep roots in art history, Semra creates pieces that resonate with a broad audience. Her surreal style not only challenges conventional perceptions but also invites viewers to explore their own subconscious interpretations.

Professional Achievements

Semra’s talent has been recognized through various exhibitions and residencies. In 2017, she participated in the Santa Catalina Castle Artist Residency “Artista En El Trabajo” in Cadiz, Spain, for six months. This experience culminated in a group exhibition at the castle, showcasing the fruits of her residency.

Her work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions, including shows at the Oreofe Art Gallery in London and the prestigious Art Shopping Art Fair at the Carrousel Du Louvre in Paris. These exhibitions have provided platforms for Semra to share her unique vision with a global audience.

In 2023, Semra’s artistic journey reached new heights when she was awarded a scholarship from the European Art Academy for their “Contemporary Art Framework” program in Venice, Italy. This recognition not only validated her artistic approach but also provided her with new opportunities to expand her creative horizons.

Current Focus and Workshops

Now based in her London studio, Semra continues to push the boundaries of ceramic art. In addition to creating her own pieces, she leads ceramic workshops, sharing her knowledge and passion with others. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to learn from her expertise and gain insights into her surrealist approach to ceramics.

Semra’s commitment to her craft and her ability to transform clay into thought-provoking, dreamlike forms has established her as a notable figure in the contemporary art scene. Her work continues to evolve, challenging perceptions and inviting viewers to explore the depths of their imagination through the medium of ceramics.