Peter Backhaus
Peter Backhaus wurde 1947 in der ehemaligen DDR geboren und zog 1950 mit seiner Familie nach Westdeutschland. Er wuchs in Minden bei Hannover auf und zog 1968 nach Schweden, wo er an der Universität Göteborg Philosophie, Psychologie, Soziologie und Kunstgeschichte studierte. Von 1973 bis 1978 absolvierte er seine künstlerische Ausbildung an der Hovedskous Kunstschule in Göteborg, wurde später außerordentlicher Professor und im Jahr 2000 Direktor und Eigentümer der Schule. Seit seiner Pensionierung im Jahr 2014 widmet er sich ganz der Malerei in seinem Atelier auf dem Land.
Backhaus began his artistic journey as a realist painter before gradually developing his distinctive language of abstract expressionism. He considers his early study of reality and the Old Masters essential to the freedom of his mature work. Colour, intuition, and spontaneity lie at the heart of his practice. Rather than imposing preconceived ideas upon the canvas, he allows each painting to evolve through an instinctive dialogue between artist, material, and emerging image. For Backhaus, painting is inseparable from life itself—an ongoing process of discovery and self-expression.
Since 1980, his works have been exhibited extensively in Swedish and German galleries and museums, establishing his reputation within the Swedish art scene. His international presence has expanded through Pasmin Art with exhibitions in China, Germany, and the Rothko Museum. His artistic philosophy and lifelong dedication to colour are further reflected in his 2026 monograph, Peter Backhaus: Im Sturm der Farben / In the Storm of Colors, published by Pashmin Art Publisher.
