Edo Murtić, born on May 4, 1921, in Velika Pisanica, a small village near Bjelovar, Croatia, emerged as one of the most influential and celebrated Croatian painters of the 20th century. His journey into the world of art began early in his life, leading to a prolific career that spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Croatia and beyond. Murtić's work, characterized by its vibrant energy, bold use of color, and dynamic abstraction, reflects a deep engagement with the social and political upheavals of his time, as well as a profound exploration of the human condition. Murtić's family moved to Zagreb early in his childhood, where he received his education. He attended Craft School from 1935 to 1939, studying under notable figures such as Edo Kovačević, Kamilo Tompa, and Ernest Tomašević. His talent for painting was evident from an early age, and his first exhibition took place in 1935 at the Royal High School in Zagreb. In 1939, Murtić enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb, where he studied under Ljubo Babić and Krsto Hegedušić. During 1940, he also attended classes given by Petar Dobrović in Belgrade, before returning to Zagreb in 1941 to complete his studies. The outbreak of the Second World War saw Murtić deeply involved in the anti-fascist movement. He joined the liberation forces in the spring of 1944, where he worked on designing graphics and other materials for the cause. This period of intense political engagement would leave a lasting impact on Murtić's work, infusing it with a sense of urgency and a commitment to social justice. After the war, Murtić's artistic career took off. He traveled and exhibited extensively in Europe and North America, gaining international recognition for his work. His style evolved from traditional figurative painting to a unique take on abstract expressionism, influenced by his travels, especially to the United States and Canada, and by encounters with artists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. Murtić was also inspired by the lyrical abstractionism movement emerging from Paris. In 1956, Murtić was one of the founders of the "March" group, and in 1958, he participated in three major contemporary art events: the Venice Biennale, the Carnegie Prize in Pittsburgh, and Documenta in Kassel. His work, which spans oil painting, gouache, graphic design, ceramics, mosaics, murals, and theatrical set design, is celebrated for its lyrical abstraction and abstract expressionism style. Murtić's art is found in museums, galleries, and private collections worldwide. Murtić's contributions to art were recognized with numerous international awards. He was a member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Croatian Helsinki Committee for Human Rights. His exhibitions in 1953 in Zagreb and Belgrade were among the first solo exhibitions in the socialist world to present elements of abstract art. Murtić's work includes significant public art projects in Zagreb, such as the Mirogoj Cemetery, the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, and the Zagrepčanka office building. Throughout his career, Murtić remained an unwavering advocate of democratic and libertarian principles. His work often addressed themes of war and peace, reflecting his deep concern for humanity and his desire to bear witness to the tragedies of his time. Murtić's artistic legacy is characterized by a relentless experimentation with form and color, a profound engagement with the political and social issues of his day, and a lifelong commitment to artistic freedom and expression. Edo Murtić passed away on January 2, 2005, in Zagreb, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge viewers. His influence extends beyond the borders of Croatia, making him one of the most important figures in the history of 20th-century art. Murtić's centenary in 2021 was marked by multimedia exhibits and retrospectives in Croatia, celebrating his enduring impact on the world of art.

Edo Murtic Quotes and Sales of Works

Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current market values.

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