I am trying to find a scale that demands a particular intimacy of proximity, and brings the viewer to an actual or illusional ‘kissing distance’ to the face of the other depicted in the painting, or even acts as an invitation to touch the surface / skin of the painting. What is striking about her choice of subject matter in this day and age, is its elevation of the elderly to beautiful object of contemplation. Our own youth-obsessed culture little allows for the elderly to be present in the media, something Bulajic is keenly aware of, whilst sincerely maintaining that these are the faces that simply draw her in.

© Natasha Hoare, 2015