Bio & Portfolio
Life illustrated by an abstract diary
Merima Smajlović is a contemporary visual artist whose work explores themes of identity, migration, cultural heritage, and language. Since childhood, she has used art as a tool for connecting with diverse cultures, blending languages and visual forms to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding. Growing up in post-war Sarajevo deeply influenced her drive to bridge cultural, ideological, and geographical divides through artistic expression.
Her work is known for bold contrasts and dynamic compositions that challenge the notion of borders between people, emphasizing the universality of artistic language. She regularly exhibits with AllArtWorks, which features her small-format pieces.
Smajlović earned her degree from the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of Sarajevo. She has been a member of ULUPUBiH – Association of Applied Artists and Designers of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2007.
Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous group exhibitions and held several solo shows. However, it was only after relocating to the United States in 2019 that she fully dedicated herself to a professional, full-time art career. Since then, she has exhibited across the U.S., gaining notable recognition in the Michigan art community, where she currently lives and works.
In addition to exhibiting her work, Smajlović actively contributes to the artistic community through guest appearances, workshops, and education in the fields of abstract and contemporary art.
She is a member of:
- ULUPUBiH – Association of Applied Artists and Designers of Bosnia and Herzegovina (since 2007)
- Ludington Area Center for the Arts (since 2023)
- Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids (since 2024)
- LowellArts (since 2025)
