About Artist She was born in Istanbul and graduated from Mimar Sinan University, Department of Painting. She opened her first solo exhibition in 1986. In 1994, she worked as art director and painting teacher; and she produced stained glass and jewelry works. In 2000, she graduated from Cypress College, Roger Mendez printing studio ranking first in class. In 2001, she attended printing studio of Golden West College in Los Angeles. Between 1999-2013, she produced etching works at the Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts. Somuncuoğlu, who focuses on Ottoman culture and especially female sultans in her works, currently lives and works in Istanbul.