Daily Inspiration: Meet WERIEM

Today we’d like to introduce you to WERIEM .

Hi WERIEM, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a French-Tunisian visual artist currently based in Chicago—a city I arrived in back in 2011, never imagining it would become my home for more than a decade. My journey has taken me across continents, shaping my perspective and inspiring my art. I spent my childhood in France, immersed in its rich cultural heritage, and my teenage years in Tunisia, where the vibrant colors, and patterns left an indelible mark on me. I later returned to France for college, where I pursued studies in science while nurturing my lifelong passion for the arts. Fine art, poetry and performing arts have always been important in my life, fueling my creativity and imagination. These influences now weave their way into my artwork, which often blends historical and theatrical elements with intricate details inspired by my multicultural upbringing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My career hasn’t exactly been a smooth road—though from the outside, it might look like an exciting path! Coming from a family of scientists, I always wanted to be an artist, but my parents weren’t fully supportive of that dream. So, I pursued biology in France. After earning my PhD, I moved to the USA and embarked on a career as a costume designer, specializing in operas and historical costumes, while also working as an illustrator on the side. Eventually, I transitioned fully into the fine art world, where I am today. Each shift in my career was challenging, but I have no regrets—it’s been a journey of growth and discovery, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My art often features characters set against surreal, intricately patterned backgrounds. I draw inspiration from the performing arts and history. To me, life can sometimes feel like a poem, a game, or a play. Through my work, I invite viewers to engage with their imagination and their inner theater. A major highlight this year was my first solo exhibition at the Alliance Française in downtown Chicago (October 9 – December 14, 2024). The new collection, centered around Pierrot, the iconic French character from commedia dell’arte, whose poetic melancholy has resonated with me since my youth, was very well received. I’m humbled by the positive response from the Chicago audience, who seemed to deeply appreciate learning about Pierrot and his lasting influence. It was truly rewarding to share his evocative presence with them. Now, I’m excited to fly to Los Angeles for a group exhibition and begin working on my next Chicago exhibition once I’m back.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of reassessing my past choices. As someone deeply immersed in the arts, I faced a world where the venues I worked with were closed indefinitely. It was a challenging and uncertain time, but it also became a turning point in my career. The pandemic gave me the space and perspective to make the leap into fine art—a decision I might not have taken otherwise. During this time, my husband and I also launched an online music school called Arpeggiato, which became our big pandemic project. It was a rewarding experience that allowed us to channel our surplus of energy into something meaningful, while fostering connection during a time of widespread isolation.
Surprisingly, the pandemic even changed my relationship with Chicago winters. I used to dread them, but they became a season of cozy days spent painting in my workshop—a time of creativity and calm.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://weriem.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weriem/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057836776396
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weriem-visual-artist-8131b24a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuiKVlNy_OiYcFGKjTmPjrA
• Other: https://weriem.com/pages/support