Peter Somm

Peter Somm, Am Meer, 1996, Acryl auf Leinwand, 80 x 110 cm Ⓒ messmer foundation / Steven van Veen
Peter Somm, Am Meer, 1996, Acryl auf Leinwand, 80 x 110 cm Ⓒ messmer foundation / Steven van Veen

Many of his works are based on reverse abstraction. Somm does not abstract from the representational to the geometric, but vice versa. Although his works are strictly constructive, at the same time they embody representational pictorial ideas. For example, his radiant circles of light and crosses of light remind the viewer of celestial bodies. The usual harshness of constructive art is alien to his work. Instead, his geometric forms seem dematerialized, they seem to surrender to infinity. Peter Somm achieves this impression by using continuous rows of colors with which he builds up his pictures symmetrically with meticulous precision.

born 1940 in Sulgen, Switzerland
1958-1965 medical studies dealing with concrete art
from 1969 freelance artist
since 1970 individual and group exhibitions in Germany and abroad
1972 move to Herrenschwand (near Bern)
until 1999 anesthetist in a private clinic, at the same time working as an artist
Peter Somm lives and works in Herrenschwanden, Switzerland and since 1998 alternately in Lacoste, France

Peter Somm