Meet the artist
Mari Salmonson
Stories, perspectives and inspirations from the world of the studio.
Timeline
A practice shaped by color and place
A Brazilian artist, designer, and storyteller whose work pulses with the vibrant rhythm of identity, memory, and transformation. Rooted in her Brazilian heritage and shaped by lived experiences across continents, Mari blends painting, illustration, and digital media to craft immersive narratives that celebrate culture, especially the richness of Brazilian folklore, fauna, and femininity.
Her creative path began in fashion design and evolved into a multidisciplinary studio practice bridging visual arts, cultural commentary, and intentional design. Whether through a large-scale mural in São Paulo, a digital artwork exhibited internationally, or a storybook character like Dr. Sapo from her original universe Solarium, Mari’s work is always about connection, between land and people, past and future, who we are and who we are becoming.
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Public art projects
Murals
From public spaces to intimate interiors, Mari Salmonson's murals bring Brazilian culture, storytelling, and vibrant visual narratives into everyday life. Her projects include Brasil Encantado in Mercer Island, WA; Brasil em 4 Atos in Kirkland, WA (2026); a public mural commissioned by São Paulo's Secretary of Culture at Casa de Cultura do Butantã (2026); Vila Butantan Open Mall (2016); and collaborations with Ultra Filmes, Respirartes Collective, Lumberjills, and Ser o Que Coaching Agency, alongside private commissions across Brazil and the United States.
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Solo & collective
Exhibitions
Mari Salmonson's work has been featured in solo and collective exhibitions celebrating Brazilian identity, folklore, and contemporary visual storytelling. Highlights include Museu A CASA do Objeto Brasileiro (2026), Narizinho 100 Anos (2021), Clube Athletico Paulistano (2019), Negro Café (2018), Liberdade at Otto Bistrot (2014), and Sofar Sounds (2013), all in São Paulo, as well as a special Mother's Day Showcase at Instituto Brasileiro de Moda (IBMODA).
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In the media
Press
From cultural publications to creative collaborations, Mari Salmonson's work has reached audiences beyond traditional exhibition spaces. Her illustrations and artistic projects have been featured in outlets including Marie Claire Brasil, Vogue Brasil, UOL, and Cidade e Cultura, bringing Brazilian folklore, cultural memory, and contemporary art into broader conversations about identity, heritage, and imagination.
Collectors
What collectors say
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“I've been collecting art for years, and these pieces stand out for their unique perspective and craftsmanship.”
Gabi Maretti
Bologna, Italy · Collector since 2010
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“As an art collector, I search for pieces that tell stories and carry soul. Mari’s caju painting does exactly that.”
Thiago Marcondes
São Paulo, Brazil · Collector since 2021
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“Mari's artwork has transformed my space with the commission of tropical art and my baby cat, and brings me joy every day.”
Beatrice Zorzi Bortolucci
Den Haag, Netherlands · Collector since 2001
