XV. Memorijal Ive Kerdića – Triennial of Croatian Medallists and Small Sculpture, October 30, 2025

In Osijek, from October 30 to November 27, 2025, the XV. Memorijal Ive Kerdića—a triennial of Croatian medallists and small sculpture—was held, marking 45 years of tradition in this exhibition event. The exhibition was displayed in the temporary exhibition space of the Museum of Fine Arts Osijek at Kapucinska Street 36 in Osijek.

The exhibition consisted of three sections: a juried exhibition of contemporary Croatian medallist work and small sculpture; a solo exhibition of Nikola Vrljić 2025–2004; and an exhibition of student works as part of the XV. Memorijal Ive Kerdića.

This memorial confirms that medallism and small sculpture continue to hold strong artistic and cultural value in contemporary creation and represents current works by domestic artists.

As part of the XV. Memorijal Ive Kerdića—Triennial of Croatian Medallists and Small Sculpture—works by fourteen artists were presented in the medallist selection. In the small sculpture selection, twenty-eight artists were represented. The juried exhibition presented works by artists who passed the selection. The Museum of Fine Arts Osijek again gathered experts in the field of sculptural miniature to select artworks and exhibit recent creations. Damir Mataušić (professor emeritus, academic sculptor) as president of the Artistic Council, and members Dr. Daniel Zec (docent at the Faculty of Philosophy in Osijek), Tatijana Gareljić (museum advisor at the Croatian Museum of Modern Art in Zagreb), Anja Kindl (curator at the Museum of Fine Arts Osijek), and Mateja Moser Horvat (curator at the Museum of Fine Arts Osijek) evaluated the submitted works.

The awarding of prizes as thanks for participation in the exhibition also serves as a kind of incentive for artists to exhibit their works, especially those created in the field of medallist art and small sculpture art, thus introducing the public to their artistic achievements.

The Grand Prix of the XV. Memorijal Ive Kerdića in the small sculpture selection was awarded to young Master of Sculpture Teo Herceg (Pronus) for his exceptional works titled: Cuttlefish, Coiled, and At the Leap.

Everything was accompanied by media coverage, and all visitors were able to enjoy the exceptional works of artists who bring a breath of contemporary art to our exhibition spaces.

From the exhibition catalog text: Doc. Dr. Daniel Zec

Teo Herceg's Statement:

I am exceptionally honored to be the recipient of the Grand Prix award at the XV. Memorijal Ive Kerdića—Triennial of Croatian Medallists and Small Sculpture. This award means a great deal to me because it represents confirmation that I am on the right path and that my efforts and work are slowly coming to light. I am grateful to all those responsible for the organization and realization of the exhibition—everything was beautifully executed and installed, and the opening was ceremonial and exceptionally pleasant.