Mari van der Merwe was born on 17th of March 1997 in Potchefstroom and matriculated in 2015 from Hoƫrskool Gimnasium Potchefstroom with one distinction, which was for visual art. She completed a four- year BA Fine Art degree at the University of Pretoria. During her studies she was involved in a community engagement project at Baviaanspoort Correctional Facility. Mari has participated in exhibitions at the Anton van Wouw museum as well as at the Javett Art Centre where she was able to show off her true talent as a fine artist.