Peter Augustin

I was born into a family of artists and musicians in Slovenia. In my childhood, I was an active painter and followed in the footsteps of my uncles. In my teenage years, I moved to Switzerland, where I embarked on an artistic path, studied at the Lucerne School of Art and received private lessons from renowned artists Paul Haelan and Otto Gilli. I have dedicated a large part of my time to painting, between my work in tourism and hospitality.

I have lived in Switzerland for 35 years, exhibiting here and in other countries and receiving various awards, including in Holland, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Russia and New Zealand.

My work reflects the passion and inspiration of being an artist. It is symbolic, full of colours, emotions and is part of a larger context of cultures and rhythms of life of the present and future in the countries visited. By following my own unique artistic path. 

With the colours I try to make a positive contribution to people’s lives.

My working style has been described by gallerists as a “lyrical abstraction”, which makes a connection to my role models de Stael, Jawlensky, Dali and Schiele and also includes the people around me. In New Zealand, I am influenced by the bright colours of nature, the amazing variety of greens and blues and the sea.

I have been living in Whitianga since May 2021, having lived in Kapiti for thirteen years and Wellington for two years. I am an elected member of the Academy of Fine Arts, a member of Watercolour New Zealand and a member of Whitianga Art Group, Xpress Artists Coromandel and Mercury Bay Art Escape.