Women

Seven portraits of the series look into the lives of women, past and present. Through the immediate relationship of a portrait, one can see the reflection of large- scale historical processes.

Stylistically diverse, the portraits represent a variety of human experiences as well as different types of “evidence” that people leave behind: from pure symbolism of stories, passed from person to person, to the elements of clothing, photographs, and even parts of a human body.

Saveta

60×48

Acrylics, textile on canvas

This is my grandmother Saveta, who passed away a couple of years ago. I painted this portrait to honor her memory and to say thank you for helping me during my childhood with food, clothing, and money.

During the civil war in ex-Yugoslavia she was captured and severely beaten trying to cross the border in order to bring me aid and food.

All I want is freedom

60×48

Acrylics on canvas

This is my grandmother today, with her unremarkable yet powerful stare that makes you wonder of her life story. The story can be seen through her sad eyes. She and her family were captured during the Second World War by the Nazis and taken to the concentration camp for 5 years. My grandma told me that every night as a child she would look through the metal bars and wish she could become a bird and fly to freedom.

Mother and Child

60×48

Acrylics, fabrics, human hair on canvas

This painting depicts my mother and a 2-year old me.I tried to capture the last moment we had as a mother and daughter.

Painting it made me remember how much I wished to have a mother and how difficult it was not to have her by my side.

Mijojka

60×48
Acrylics, fabric, buttons and human hair on canvas.

This is my great-grandmother Mijojka who I feel very strongly about. Even though I never met her in person she has always had a strong presence in my life through my grandmother’s stories. I feel very close and connected to her as we share many similar life experiences. This piece is created in the beautiful memory of her life and resistance to all difficulties as a woman.

Princess Clown

72×60
Acrylics, fabrics on canvas

This painting has a personal story: I wanted to be a princess for an elementary school masquerade, but my grandmother could not afford a real costume. She made a princess dress out of her own clothes, and drew hearts with her shaky hands on my cheeks. For other kids who made fun of me – I looked like a clown.

Through this singular moment I wanted to show the whole life that is yet to come for that girl.

Rima

72×60

Acrylics, paper collage, glue on canvas

This painting is dedicated to the memory of my beautiful childhood friend who has passed away.

Ceca

60×48

Acrylics, bijouterie, paper applications on canvas

This woman played an important part in my life. I can say that she saved me. I wanted to create a portrait that is true to her nature as a way to say thank you.