Artist Bio

I'm Seyma Ulya Aydin, a Kat'i artist. Born in Melbourne and raised in Brisbane, my creative and professional path has been a personal evolution. After completing a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and later studying Human Resources, I moved to Istanbul, where I spent over a decade working as an educator (English teacher). It was within the vibrant, historic atmosphere of Türkiye that my artistic journey began.

During my ten years abroad, I became deeply immersed in traditional heritage, learning to play the musical instrument Kanun and mastering the intricate techniques of Kat’i (paper engraving and filigree) and Ebru (paper marbling). My immersive travels across Türkiye, Spain (Toledo, Madrid, and Granada), and Italy (Rome) allowed me to weave together a unique visual language, drawing inspiration from Islamic and classical European artistic traditions.

As both an artist and a children’s book author, I am dedicated to the preservation and sharing of traditional techniques. I have showcased my work and led various community workshops, bridging the gap between historical art forms and contemporary audiences.

Solo Exhibition- Istanbul, Türkiye (2018)

Solo Exhibition- Istanbul, Türkiye (2019)

Pop-Up Exhibition- Melbourne, Australia (2023)

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In its ongoing commitment to combatting Islamophobia, the Islamic Museum of Australia champions an understanding and appreciation for Islamic art and culture. The Art of Kat'i workshop is supported by the Victorian Government.