Biography

Born Iskra Spirov in 1936 in Skopje, Macedonia (then part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia), she was exposed to politics and activism at a young age, as her father was famed Macedonian politician Dr. Boris Spirov, leader of the Macedonian Anti-Fascist Assembly and second president of the Macedonian Parliament. Iskra attended the School of Fine Arts in Skopje, where she met Jordan Grabul, one of Macedonia's most renowed sculptors of the 20th century. They were married just a few years later. They became tremendous artistic partners, with many describing that the best work either of them did was when it was in collaboration with each other. They traveled around the world presenting their work at shows while also working together to create massive public installations. Their most politically charged and famous public work is the massive 'Makedonium' memorial at Kruševo, Macedonia, which was built to commemorate the Ilinden Uprising and soldiers who gave their lives in the fight for Macedonian freedom during the country's various wars and conflicts. Iskra also had intense interest in the Indian philosopher and guru Sathya Sai Baba. She spent a great deal of time in India with him assisting with his humanitarian work, while also translating several of his books. Jordan and Iskra had one daughter, Lira Grabul, who is currently a well known costume designer in Skopje. Iskra died in Skopje in 2008 at the age of 72.

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Keep in mind that in literature and on the internet, Iskra's last name 'Grabul' is sometimes written in an extend form as 'Grabulovska' or 'Grabuloska'.