 She graduated from Academy of Fine Arts, Istanbul, Department of Painting in 1969, where she was taught by Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu.Influenced by 68s student revolts and clashes between right- and left-wing groups, Karamustafa became familiar with political activism during her university years.After her graduation she spent a year in London, where she was engaged in discussions on Vietnam War, feminism, and racism.