Born in Elazığ, located in the eastern region of Türkiye, Saim Dursun captured the essence of Anatolia in his art. Using the spatula technique in oil paintings, he depicted the vibrant and resilient spirit of the Anatolian region, expressing their joy of life despite hardships. His work, deeply rooted in his homeland, offers a window into the rich culture, traditions, and emotional depth of the people.

A turning point in his career came in 1989 when he met French artist and art historian Didier Vacher at Beyoğlu Art Gallery. With Didier’s support and mentorship, Saim pursued atelier work between 1989 and 2003, working both in İstanbul and France. This period marked a significant shift in his creative process, as his encounters with international art circles inspired a broader perspective on his native themes. Didier's influence helped refine his technique, and Saim’s work evolved, blending his Anatolian heritage with modern artistic expressions.

His dynamic use of light and color brought warmth and liveliness to his paintings, uncovering the true Anatolian picture. The rough textures and vibrant colors in his work evoke the passion and resilience of the people he depicted, while his compositions suggest a harmony between the hardships and joys of life in the region. His mastery of the spatula technique was not just a means of applying paint, but a way to breathe life into the canvas, creating an almost sculptural quality that drew viewers in.

Throughout his career, Saim Dursun held 47 solo exhibitions nationally and internationally, showcasing his mastery of oil painting with a knife. His exhibitions in countries like France, and his visits to Italy, allowed him to connect with broader European art communities, further refining his artistic vision. His paintings have been collected by private collectors, galleries, and museums, securing his place in the art world as a key figure in contemporary painting.

Awards

Saim Dursun received numerous accolades for his artistry, including:

• 1995: Le Grand Aigle d'Or, Le Val

• 1994: Diplôme d'Excellence & La Médaille d'Or, Le Val

• 1990: Citoyen d'Honneur & La Médaille d'Or, Le Val

Selected Solo Exhibitions

• 2018- "Ses", Terakki Vakfı Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 2015-"Reflections from My Palette III", Terakki Vakfı Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 2015-Orkun Ozan Art Gallery, Antalya

• 2014-"Reflections from My Palette II", Terakki Vakfı Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 2011-"Reflections from My Palette", Terakki Vakfı Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 2008-Vakıfbank Atakule Art Gallery, Ankara

• 2007-Terakki Foundation Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 2007-Bude Art Gallery, Ankara

• 2006-Orkun – Ozan Art Gallery, Antalya

• 2006-Bude Art Gallery, Ankara

• 2005-Tuyap 15th Artist Exhibition, Istanbul

• 2005-Jazz Now Art Center, Bodrum

• 2004-Galrie d’Art de la rue Francaise, Istanbul

• 2004-Terakki Foundation Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 2004-Altamira Art Gallery, Mersin 

• 2003-T-S & G-S Art Gallery, Ankara

• 2003-Küyad Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 2003-Orkun – Ozan Art Gallery, Antalya

• 2002-Koleksiyon Art Gallery, Çırağan Palace, Istanbul

• 2001-Orkun – Ozan Art Gallery, Antalya

• 2001-Ortaköy Cultural Center, Istanbul

• 2000-Dam Art Gallery, Bilkent - Ankara

• 2000-Espace Original, Montilivet, Bardeauc, France

• 2000-Gallery Le Moulin a Huile, Tolun, France

• 2000-Ortaköy Cultural Center, Istanbul

• 2000-Dam Art Gallery, Bilkent - Ankara

• 1999-Orkun – Ozan Art Gallery, Antalya

• 1998-Orkun – Ozan Art Gallery, Antalya

• 1998-Science Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 1997-Gallery Le Moulin a Huile, Le Val, France

• 1997-Orkun – Ozan Art Gallery, Antalya

• 1996-Orkun – Ozan Art Gallery, Antalya

• 1996-Radio S Art Gallery, Bursa

• 1996-Dam Art Gallery, Ankara

• 1995-Dr Füsun Kahveci Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 1995-Gallery Le Moulin a Huile, Le Val, France

• 1995-Gallery d’Art du Palais Royal Paris, France

• 1994-Gallery Le Moulin a Huile, Le Val, France

• 1993-Başak Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 1993-French Cultural Center, Istanbul

• 1992-Gallery Mazarine, Axi en, Provence, France

• 1992-Science and Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 1990-Gallery le Mouin a Huile, Le Vall, France

• 1990-Art and Cultural Center, Mersin

• 1989-Beyoğlu Municipality Art Gallery, Istanbul

• 1989-Gallery Exhibition Center, Istanbul

• 1988-Beyoğlu Municipality Art Gallery, Istanbul