The Year of the Poet Srečko Kosovel (2026)

Srečko Kosovel (1904–1926) was one of the most prominent representatives of Slovenian modernist poetry and a central figure of twentieth-century Slovenian literature, who, in his short but intense life, created an exceptionally diverse and influential body of work. He was born in Sežana and studied Slavic studies, Romance studies, and education at the University of Ljubljana.

At first, he wrote poetry under the influence of modernism, with predominant motifs such as the karst landscape, motherhood, and death. The Karst Plateau was the centre of his poetry (e.g., the poems Balada [Ballad], Bori [Pines], Vas za bori [Village Beyond the Pines], Slutnja [Premonition]), which is why he is also called the "lyric poet of the Karst". Later, he turned to expressionism. He developed visionary, social and religious themes with the central idea of a personal and collective apocalypse. Many of his poems are about social injustices and the fate of Europe (e.g., Ekstaza smrti [Ecstasy of Death]) and about the inevitability of a revolutionary transformation of the world. A special place in Kosovel’s oeuvre is occupied by his constructivist poems, or the so-called konsi, which were published in the poetry collection Integrali [Integrals]. His works remain highly relevant and, having been translated into over 20 languages, they also have an international impact. Kosovel died at just 22 in Tomaj.

To mark the Year of the Poet Srečko Kosovel, the Republic of Slovenia is issuing collector coins. The coin is designed in the spirit of Kosovel’s constructivist work and draws inspiration from the poet’s newspaper collage technique, which is considered one of his most visually expressive approaches. The reverse side of the coin features the inscription "leto Srečka Kosovela” [Srečko Kosovel Year] designed in this technique.

Event proposed by: Zavod Škrateljc (Uroš Grilc), Anton Mlinar, Ministry of Culture, SAZU, Municipality of Sežana

Artwork designed by: Miha Žargi and Aleš Korpič, Ljubljana

Minting: Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda S.A., Portugal