Bratislava, Slovakia – Juraj Gavula, a prominent Slovak sculptor known for his monumental works in public spaces, has died at the age of 83, Denník N reported on Sunday. His sculptures and reliefs adorn buildings and public areas across Slovakia, including the Ružinov polyclinic in Bratislava, Zichy Palace and spaces in Poprad, Trenčín, and Dunajská Streda.
Gavula, born on April 15, 1942, in Vyšné Čabiny, northeastern Slovakia, dedicated his career to integrating abstract, organic, and geometric forms with architectural contexts. He worked with a variety of materials, including stone, glass, and concrete.
He received his foundational training in stone sculpting at the Secondary School of Applied Arts in Bratislava from 1959 to 1963. He continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava, initially in the sculpture studio and later at the newly established Department of Glass in Architecture under the guidance of Václav Ciglera.
Following his education, Gavula focused primarily on large-scale projects, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. His work often explored the relationship between materials and space, utilizing both traditional stonemasonry techniques and experimentation with glass.
Beyond his artistic practice, Gavula left a significant mark as an educator. He led the stone sculpting department at the Secondary School of Applied Arts and, from 1990 to 2007, headed the glass art department at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. In 2003, he was appointed associate professor for architecture and glass, and later led the Department of Applied Arts, influencing generations of young artists.
In recent years, Gavula collaborated with his son, Matej Gavula, on a systematic archiving of his work. A key moment in recognizing his legacy was the 2021 monograph exhibition, “Vital Forms,” held at the Bratislava City Gallery in Mirbach Palace. The exhibition showcased his work from early pieces to monumental realizations.
The exhibition was co-curated by Matej Gavula and art historian Vladimíra Büngerová and was later reprised at the Stredoslovenská galéria in Banská Bystrica. His work is also documented in the monograph “Healing Through Sculpture,” published by the Čierne diery association.
Gavula’s passing marks the loss of a significant figure in Slovak art, whose contributions continue to shape the visual landscape of the country. His ability to blend artistic vision with architectural space created lasting landmarks that will be appreciated for generations to come.
