Semen Gelberg was born in 1913 in Yekaterinoslav (now Dnipro). His family moved to Minsk, where Semen completed school, a construction technical school, and an architectural institute.
Semen was exceptionally versatile and gifted. He was passionate about music (he played the violin and concertina), drawing, and architecture. He dreamed of becoming a poet or writer.
In 1940, he graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the All- Russian Academy of Arts, receiving a diploma with distinction and the qualification of architect-artist. He remained at the Academy in teaching and administrative work, serving as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Architecture.
During the war, he served in Leningrad and in the Baltic Fleet. He went through the entire war. In 1946, he was sent to Latvia to work in the field of fine arts. He was a member of the Artists' Union of Latvia from 1946. In 1946–1947, he worked as head of the art editorial department at the Latvian State Publishing House. He illustrated books and produced posters.
From 1950 to 1954, he was the chief artist of the Latvian Pavilion at the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition, later renamed the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy. The Latvian Pavilion took first place among the exhibitions of the other republics.
Semen Gelberg easily became part of the Latvian artistic community. Everyday interaction with fellow artists, together with persistent and serious work, contributed to his integration into Latvian painting.
Later, Semen Gelberg devoted himself to independent creative work. He was provided with a studio in the Artists; House on the waterfront in Riga.
Latvia – its nature, people, and atmosphere – became the center of his artistic attention. His work is highly diverse, encompassing landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and graphic art.
Three solo exhibitions were held – in 1965 and 1973, and in 1978, a memorial exhibition was organised. His works were shown at more than 40 Latvian and international art exhibitions in England, India, China, Poland, and Germany.
Works by Semen Gelberg are held in the collection of the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Artists' Union of Latvia Foundation, the National Library of Latvia, the art collection of Rietumu Bank, and many private collections.
Semen Gelberg; artistic legacy is an important part of Latvia's cultural heritage. His paintings preserve Latvian landscapes, people, and the atmosphere of their time, and even today they continue to speak to viewers through their warmth, professional mastery, and artistic strength.