# Deaths of prominent Croatian artists

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-prominent-croatian-artists
> Updated: 2026-10-27T08:22:59.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The Croatian cultural community is mourning the deaths of two significant artistic figures, Sonja Kastl and Klas Grdić, on October 27.

Sonja Kastl, a celebrated ballerina, choreographer, and the first director of the ballet at the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in Zagreb, passed away at the age of 97. Her career included performing approximately 60 roles and creating 30 choreographies for various productions. She was a recipient of the ‘Vladimir Nazor’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

Klas Grdić, a painter and sculptor aged 64, was a key figure in the Rijeka art scene. Known for an unconventional approach that integrated painting with sculpture, installation, and performance, Grdić was also a founding member of the Poet theater organization. His final retrospective exhibition, ‘Lica kaosa’, was held at the Kortil Gallery earlier in the year.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Prominent Croatian artists Klas Grdić and Sonja Kastl pass away

Croatia mourns the deaths of influential artist Klas Grdić, a prominent painter and sculptor from Rijeka, and legendary ballerina Sonja Kastl, former director of the HNK Ballet in Zagreb.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prominent-croatian-artists-klas-grdi-and-sonja-kastl-pass-away

### 2026-10-27: Sonja Kastl, renowned Croatian ballerina and director, passes away

Renowned Croatian ballerina, choreographer, and first director of the HNK Zagreb ballet, Sonja Kastl, has passed away at age 97.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sonja-kastl-renowned-croatian-ballerina-and-director-passes-away

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Cite as: Deaths of prominent Croatian artists. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-prominent-croatian-artists