Merima Smajlovic

A FEW THINGS ABOUT THE ARTIST

1. What do you do when you’re not making art? (Day job etc...).

I spend time with my family, enjoy nature and try to isolate myself from the reality of the times in which we live. I also like to pass on my knowledge to others and teach them how to release their emotions through art.

2. Why do you make art?

Art is my refuge and the best way to release my words, thoughts and emotions.

3. What inspires you?

My life, people, emotions, state of mind, psychology, touch, color, movement, music...

4. What/who are your influences?

Releasing energy and ultimate freedom through stroke, color and mixing materials leads me mostly to abstract expressionism and mixed media. First of all, I really appreciate constructivism - Vladimir Tatljin, a revolutionary and genius, as well as Maljevic's suprematism. The DADA movement Kurt Schwitters, Robert Rauschenberg's, Marcel Duchamp, then there's Joan Miro, Kandinsky... Then neo expressionism and Basquiat and finally I can't help but mention Joseph Beuys. There are other movements and artists that I could mention and that I really appreciate, but the list would be too long.

5. If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?

David Bowie.