Artist of the Day, July 27, 2026 : Mersad Berber, a Bosnian–Herzegovinian painter (#2589)

Mersad Berber (1940 – 2012) is one of the greatest and most significant representatives of Bosnian–Herzegovinian art from the second half of the 20th century. His vast body of expressive and unique works triggered the local art scene’s recognition into Europe as well as the international stage.

Berber belongs to an exceptionally dynamic period of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s contemporary cultural history. He led a young generation of graphic artists opening up the local scene internationally. He was one of the few artists whose talent and mastery enabled him to frequently exhibit in prestigious museums and galleries.

Throughout his career he created cycles of paintings which chronicle events, homages and dedications. Each cycle has its roots in Bosnian-Herzegovinian history from the medieval to the twentieth century. His works are characterized by the intermingling of ancient motifs with a more modern commentary, captivating in their iconic mystery and intensity. His surfaces are as complex as his subjects, combining techniques from various times and places while maintaining an aesthetic and allure that has drawn collectors for the past 40 years.

Berber was occupied with painting, graphic art, tapestry, illustrating and preparing bibliographic editions, graphic and poetic maps. His scenography and costume design came to life in theatres in Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo and Washington. In 1985 Berber finished Tempo Secondo, his own animated cartoon.
© 2026. All content on this blog is protected by international copyright laws All images are copyrighted © by Mersad Berber or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only

Mersad Berber

Self-Portrait 

Woman's Head with Horses, 1968-71

Portrait of a Woman in Profile, 1970

Infantin, 1971

Lady with Wheel / Infantin, 1971

Untitled (Portrait of a Girl) / Figura 1, 1971

Flora, 1974

Infanta Margarita in Red, 1974

Famildi Šer, 1979

Prince of Horses, 1979

Hommage à Raphaël, 1980

Belleza, 1980's

Dubrovnik Flora

Girl with Horse

Horses Rearing Up

Flora I 

Lozica - Bride with Bouquet

Lozica

Portrait of Two Ladies and a Young Girl

Profile B 14

The Fall of Srebrenica

The Green Painting

Untitled

A young lady with a seagull

Three Girls, 1990

White Horse

Girls and Horse, 1995

Bride With Horse, 1999

Hommage à Bukovac, 1999

Homage to the Painter V. Bukovac II, 2001

Head with Figure, 2008