Neli Ružić (Split Croatia 1966) is an artist who explores the perception of time and various aspects of temporality in relation to historical narratives, the intersectionality of personal and collective memory, and migrations. Her recent projects turn toward ideas of hope and community, through language and immaterial manifestations. Her artistic practice spans a diverse range of mediums and forms, encompassing interventions in public spaces, installations, video installations, sound and process-based works that intricately weave archival and documentary practices. She has presented numerous solo exhibitions and participated in a wide range of international exhibitions, projects, and festivals in Croatia and the region, Europe, Canada, the USA, Taiwan and Latin America including the Ostrale Biennale (2021), BienalSur (2023), Body and Territory at Kunsthaus Graz (2023), and most recently Horizon Ablaze at the Taichung Art Museum (2026).
Ružić has been awarded a number of awards and grants including Grand Prix 29thSlavonian Biennial (2024), Slobodna Dalmacija Annual Art Award Jure Kaštelan, Split (2024); Signes de Nuit awardat the 16thFestival International de Cinema, Paris (2018); the Second award T-HTnagrada@msu.hr, Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb (2016) and the Mediterranean Youth Biennale Award, Modern Gallery in Rijeka (1993). As a fellow of CEC ArtsLink resides at Headlands Centre for the Arts, Sausalito, California, USA (1996). Her works are part of the private and public collections of the Museum of Fine Arts in Split, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rijeka, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb, Marino Cettina Gallery in Umag, and Canal Mediateca CaixaForum in Barcelona.
Ružić graduated in painting from the Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade and holds a master’s degree from the Facultad de Artes, UAEM, Mexico. During her master’s studies, she was a scholarship holder of the Mexican National Council for Science and Technology – Conacyt. From 2003 to 2012, she taught at ENPEGLa Esmeralda, Centro Nacional de las Artes (CENART) in Mexico City. After returning to Croatia, she taught at the School of Fine Arts in Split, where in 2014, she conceptualised and led the School Gallery until 2018. She is full-time professor at the Painting Department of the Arts Academy, University of Split.