Press & Recognition

Selected media, exhibitions, academic references, and international recognitions related to Hilmi Şimşek’s sumi-e and contemporary ink practice.

International Sumi-e Association Exhibition, Tokyo, 2026

Hilmi Şimşek’s work ENSO – Children of the Earth – Sakura and Tulip was exhibited at the 25th International Sumi-e Association Exhibition, held at The National Art Center, Tokyo, in June 2026.

The National Art Center, Tokyo
25th International Sumi-e Association Exhibition
10–22 June 2026
Tokyo, Japan

Exhibition Views

Selected views from the 25th International Sumi-e Association Exhibition at The National Art Center, Tokyo.

Television & Media Features

Ulusal Kanal — Sanat Hayatı
Television feature, Türkiye
A television program segment presenting Hilmi Şimşek’s artistic practice, exhibition work, and approach to sumi-e.

Watch program segment

Selected Press, Media & Academic References

Selected television features, press documents, academic references, and international recognitions related to Hilmi Şimşek’s broader artistic practice, including sumi-e, watercolor, and cross-cultural projects.

Chukyo TV, Japan
Television / media feature, Japan
Archival screenshot from a Chukyo TV segment presenting Hilmi Şimşek’s sumi-e practice and works in relation to Japanese ink painting.

Aydınlık Newspaper
Press notice, Türkiye
Published: 3 May 2024
A press announcement for Hilmi Şimşek’s appearance on Sanat Hayatı, highlighting the program’s focus on Japanese painting and sumi-e techniques.

Read press notice

Sanat Magazin
Online press article, Türkiye
Article by Erol Ünal on Hilmi Şimşek’s Turkish–Japanese Friendship Sumi-e Exhibition, held in Istanbul in 2024 for the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Japan. The article also refers to the exhibition opening and live piano performance.

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Sözcü Newspaper
Press clipping, Türkiye
Press coverage of Hilmi Şimşek’s watercolor portrait exhibition Atatürk’ün Işığında, held at Schneidertempel Art Center, Istanbul.

Selected Exhibition Press

International Festival “The Best Portrait Artist”, Romania, 2025
Certificate of participation, Romania
Participation in the international portrait art festival organized in Romania.

Academic & Institutional References

Academic References

Kastamonu University, Institute of Social Sciences, 2019
Graduate thesis reference, Türkiye
Hilmi Şimşek’s sumi-e practice and selected works were included in Özlem Karaosmanoğlu’s master’s thesis, Japon Kültürü’nde Güncel Dönem Sumi-e Sanatı (Contemporary Sumi-e Art in Japanese Culture), completed in the Department of Art and Design at Kastamonu University.

Selected pages from the thesis, including references to Hilmi Şimşek’s sumi-e practice and works.

Türkiye Sermaye Piyasaları Birliği, Annual Report
Institutional publication, Türkiye
Hilmi Şimşek’s artistic biography and selected exhibitions were included in an institutional annual report.

Archival screenshot from the broadcast.

International Features

American Watercolor Weekly — Ambassador of the Week: Hilmi Şimşek

Featured artist profile, United States, 2021.

This international feature introduced Hilmi Şimşek’s watercolor practice through selected works and a short artist biography. It forms part of the broader development of his visual language, preceding his current focus on contemporary ink, sumi-e and ensō.

Read feature

International Selections & Recognitions

Fabriano in Acquarello, Italy, 2025
Selected Artist, Türkiye
Hilmi Şimşek was selected to represent Türkiye in Fabriano in Acquarello / In Watercolor 2025.

III International Watercolor & Spirit Triennial, Varna, 2022
Certificate of participation, Bulgaria
Participation in the III International Watercolor & Spirit Triennial organized by IWS Bulgaria.

EuroExpoArt / Gran Premio Europa, Italy, 2019
Certificate of attendance, Italy
Participation in the 2019 edition of Gran Premio Europa Art Contest at Vernice Art Fair, Forlì, Italy.