The Wings of Color: Dejana Nezic's Barrier-Free Art
A journey through emotion, energy, and rebirth in the paintings of the Serbian artist aka the Girl with Wings
Tell us what you do and your beginnings.
My name is Dejana Nežić, also known as Girl with Wings. I was born without arms, but I’ve always felt that my wings are invisible — expressed through creativity, sport, and art. I paint exclusively with my feet, using acrylic on canvas.
My artistic journey began when I was very young, as drawing became my natural way of expressing emotions and seeing beauty in the world. I became the youngest member of VDMFK (The Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists) at only nine years old, and I still proudly paint for this international organization today.
Over the years, I’ve grown into a professional artist, a World and European Champion in para-taekwondo, and in 2023, I also became a mother — an experience that added a whole new depth to my creativity.
My paintings have become increasingly sought-after in recent years, so I now mostly paint on commission. Both collectors and I love the pop-art style that I’ve embraced over the past few years; it allows me to combine color, energy, and emotion in a very personal way.
What does your work aim to say?
Through my art, I want to show that limits exist only in the mind. Each painting tells a story of freedom, courage, and individuality. My goal is to encourage people to look beyond physical boundaries and see strength in difference. The colorful, pop-art style of my works reflects joy, energy, and the vibrant rhythm of life.
Inspiration and motivation for others are also a big part of what we do — that’s why my husband and I are so active on social media. We want to show that people with disabilities can fight for and achieve a beautiful, fulfilled, and high-quality life.
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
I find inspiration in my personal experiences, travels, nature, and emotions. Every place I visit — from the beaches of the Maldives to the skyline of Dubai — brings a new perspective that I translate onto canvas. Animals, cities, and symbolic wings often appear in my works, representing movement, harmony, and hope.
Many people also reach out asking me to paint their pets, which often gives me wonderful new ideas for my next pieces.
Could you give us some insight into your creative process?
I paint directly with my feet. The process begins when I decide what I want to paint; sometimes I sketch with a pencil in my notebook, sometimes I draw it on my iPad, and sometimes I go straight to the canvas.
Once the idea feels right, I start painting freely and intuitively. I always play music while painting — it helps me get into a good mood and fully immerse myself in the creative flow.
What are your future projects?
I have just returned from AccessAbilities Expo 2025 in Dubai, where I painted live in front of a large international audience — an unforgettable experience. Since we’ve been traveling for almost two months, I plan to spend the next month or two at home to rest and create new works.
In December, I will have exhibitions in Ljubljana and Zagreb, and in January 2025, I’ll be exhibiting in Brussels, Belgium.
Interview by Fabio Pariante: X • Instagram • Website
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Dejana Nežić: Website • Instagram • Instagram2 • YouTube • TikTok