Mersad Berber

• Name — Mersad Berber • Birth Name — Mersad Berber • Born — 1 January 1940 • Birthplace — Bosanski Petrovac, Vrbas Banovina, Kingdom of Yugoslavia • Died — 7 October 2012 • Place of death — Zagreb, Croatia • Occupation — Painter

Berber was born in Bosanski Petrovac, then part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. He trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana where he graduated with a BA and MA. In 1978, Berber received a teaching position at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo.

Today Berber is one of the best known graphic artists in the world. He was included in the Tate Gallery collection in 1984. 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. From 1992 until his death in October 2012 Berber resided and worked in both Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

Mersad Berber is recorded with the occupation graphic artist. Recorded as painter, graphic artist and textile artist.