About Peter

Artist Statement

In today’s world, the eyes and the soul are assaulted by a myriad of things, causing us to lose our focus, become scattered, and even blinded to the simple beauty hidden around us. Inspired by the philosophy of Zen, letting go of everything that is unnecessary, Peter Dušek’s artwork distills our world to the heart of its essence. Placing a strong emphasis on balance and negative space, and seeking the perfect balance between too much and too little, Peter’s minimalist design goal is “as little as possible, as much as necessary”, giving an abstract quality to his poetic landscapes. His style embodies the Japanese design aesthetic shibumi, which translates as “a quiet elegance”. In this simplicity can be found the serenity and perhaps even the happiness that often eludes us.

Bio

Peter’s first solo exhibition, Tranquility, at Abbozzo Gallery in 2015, sold out almost two and a half times over, with Saks Fifth Avenue acquiring 38 pieces to represent Canadian Art at their Toronto stores. He was awarded “Best of 2015” by the American Society of Media Photographers and “Best Work by an Emerging Artist” and “The President’s Medal” by the Ontario Society of Artists. His work has been shown at the Affordable Art Fair in New York City, alongside art from 70 international galleries. Articles about Peter and his work have been published in magazines and newspapers, including a feature article in Arabella Art and Design magazine with North American distribution.

Peter had his second major exhibition, Serenity, at Abbozzo Gallery in 2017 as part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, the largest photography event in the world. Serenity was the location for an exclusive gathering of Ontario’s top architects and designers, hosted by Global Furniture Group, who hold ten of his pieces.

Peter started the Peter Dušek Gallery in the village of Creemore, Ontario in 2022, as a continuation of a successful pop-up art exhibition.

He has exhibited in numerous galleries across Canada and the USA, including:

• Abbozzo Gallery (Toronto)
• Paul Paletti Gallery (Louisville, Kentucky)
• John B. Aird Gallery (Toronto)
• Arts & Letters Club (Toronto)
• The McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Kleinburg)
• Robert McLaughlin Gallery (Oshawa)
• Westland Gallery (London, ON)

Peter’s work is held in private and corporate collections throughout North America as well as the Government of Ontario Art Collection.

Peter was elected to the Ontario Society of Artists in 2015 (where he served on the board of directors) and the Society of Canadian Artists in 2016. He has also been involved in the community as a proud member of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke.

Great photography is the rare marriage of the creativity of art with the technique of craft and the precision of science. If any one of these elements is missing, a photograph falls short of its full potential. Peter’s photography benefits from his experience as a computer consultant and programmer, building sophisticated database systems, which requires a similar blend of creativity, craft, and extreme attention to detail.

Born in Bratislava, Slovakia, Peter moved to Canada when he was seven years old. He lives in the beautiful Hockley Valley, Ontario with his wife, dog and cat, exploring the countryside by motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot, often accompanied by his dog, Skye. His frequent excursions give him a deep familiarity and affinity with some of Ontario’s most beautiful lands.

Tranquility, A Slideshow Of Peter’s First Solo Exhibition

Time to watch: 1 minute, 55 seconds

Tranquility960X540 from Peter Dusek on Vimeo.