Mersad Berber
Mersad Berber (1940–2012) was a Bosnian painter and printmaker. Known for his particularly skilled draughtsmanship in depicting historical and contemporary Bosnian events, Berber frequently employed techniques based in the traditions of Academic European painters like Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Born on January 1, 1940 in Bosanski Petrovac, Yugoslavia, he went on to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana. Berber later fled to Zagreb, Croatia from Sarajevo in 1992 during the war, and remained there for the rest of his life. His works are in private and public collections that include the Tate Gallery in London. Berber died on October 7, 2012 in Croatia.
## Early Life
Berber was born in Bosanski Petrovac, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, on January 1st. He was the first son of Muhammed Berber and Sadika Berber, a well-known weaver and embroiderer. A year later, the family moved to Banja Luka after the city had suffered damage from the World War II. Starting from the beginning of his education his ability on drawings was striking. His illustrations and cartoons appeared in numerous publications such as Oslobođenje, Čičak and Polet.
## Artistic Career
Berber was known for his skilled draughtsmanship in depicting historical and contemporary Bosnian themes. His works are characterized by the intermingling of ancient motifs with a more modern commentary, captivating in their iconic mystery and intensity. 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 artistic style is a unique blend of traditional and modern techniques. He 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.
## Awards and Recognition
Berber received more than fifty awards. Among many international prizes he received:
- Gold Medal and Honorary Diploma at the First International Exhibition of Graphic Art in Trieste
- First award at the 11th International Biennale in São Paulo
- Honorary Prix at the 10th International Biennale of Graphic Art in Tokyo
- First award at the 7th Mediterranean Biennale in Alexandria
- ICOM Award in Monte Carlo
- The Kraków City Award at the 4th International Biennale of graphic art
- The Lalit Kala Academy Grand Prix at the 5th Indian Triennale in New Delhi
Berber’s work can be found in various museums and collections, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which houses his painting “Woman”. More information about Berber's artwork can be found on WahooArt.com. For more information about Mersad Berber, visit his page on wikipedia or his official website. His artwork can also be explored on WahooArt.com, which features a collection of his paintings, including “Woman.”
