Prominent Croatian artists Klas Grdić and Sonja Kastl pass away

The Croatian cultural community is mourning the loss of two significant artistic figures: painter and sculptor Klas Grdić and renowned ballerina Sonja Kastl.

Klas Grdić, a key figure in the Rijeka art scene, passed away on October 27 at the age of 64. A graduate of sculpture from the Pedagogical Faculty in 1988, Grdić was primarily known for his painting, which often integrated elements of sculpture, installation, and performance. He was a founding member of the Poet theater organization and was recognized for his unconventional approach to art. His final retrospective exhibition, ‘Lica kaosa’, was held at the Kortil Gallery earlier this year.

Sonja Kastl, one of Croatia’s most celebrated ballerinas and choreographers, has died at the age of 97. Born in Zagreb, Kastl became a prima ballerina at the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in 1954. Following an injury in 1964, she transitioned into leadership, serving as the first director of the HNK Ballet. Her career included numerous principal roles in classical and contemporary repertoire, and she contributed over one hundred choreographies to various operas.