Abstract artist Edo Murtic dies

Murtic was involved in the anti-fascist movement in 1944

Abstract artist Edo Murtic, one of Croatia's most prominent painters, has died at the age of 83.

Murtic began his career with figurative painting but came to be regarded as one of the masters of European abstraction in the 1960s and 1970s.

Characterised by an aggressive use of colour, his work appeared in prominent galleries including the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, and New York.

Murtic died after a long illness at a Zagreb hospital on Sunday.

Socialist influence

He was influenced by socialist ideas growing up in north Croatian village Velika Pisanica.

At the outbreak of World War II, Murtic became involved in the anti-fascist movement.

In 1944 he joined the liberation forces where he first began his work as an artist.

Initially designing graphics, posters and books, Murtic gained worldwide recognition after the end of the war.