Contribution to Knowledge of the Early Phase of Stipe Sikirica’s Work

Abstract

The early phase in the sculpture of Stipe Sikirica took place in the 1950s and 1960s. Due to a large number of sculptures on the topic of the Croatian Alka knights’ game, he is frequently associated exclusively with the so-called ‘Alka cycle.’ Precisely for this reason, it is important to point out a group of works, omitted from the scholarly overviews, which represent a stylistic and thematic departure in the oeuvre of this artist. In this period, the meditation and formation of his visual language was strongly influenced by European sculpture (Giacometti, Moore, Marini) which he saw when travelling. At time he took part in exhibitions with young ‘rebels’ (the 15 young ones), he worked as part of Vanja Radauš’ workshop and was open to influence and experimentation. All of the above resulted in successful sculptural solutions which have their place in the context of Croatian contemporary sculpture. In this period, Stipe Sikirica also defined his relationship with public sculpture which would prove to be a significant part of his later career. This early phase marks a fertile period of creation when Stipe Sikirica made his best works which place his oeuvre in a wider context of European sculpture.