These words have
all been used to describe the unique work of this powerful new artist: all fall short of
the mark. From the quiet reflection of Proven Friendship to the shattering anger of Broken
Promises, Henris art spans the gamut of human thought and feeling, seeming almost alive in
its vibrant intensity. Emotion is mixed into the paints he uses; imagination is woven into
the canvas. Henri Peter originally contacted us when we were preparing to move our gallery
from Numberg, Germany to the Northwestern United States. Despite the undeniable power and
quality of his work, we were at first reluctant to display it. We had been active in the
European market for Native American art for seventeen years. Our approach was purist; we
dealt only in the creations of artists registered with the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(B.I.A.) in the United States. Although Henri has one-quarter Peruvian heritage, he
obviously cannot be registered with the B.I.A.. Eventually, impressed by his skill and
persistence, we relented and accepted six lithographic prints on consignment. They sold
immediately. When we realized the favorable nature of the publics reaction to Henris art,
we lost all reservations about displaying it in our galleries.
The next eighteen months were incredible! We sold 49 original
paintings and 1,085 lithographs. The majority of these sales were made in our American
gallery locations (Coeur dAlene, Idaho and Spokane, Washington) with very little
advertising to the walk-in customer. This was a genuine phenomenon!
During this time, Henri had been living in Switzerland, which
limited our contact to brief telephone conversations. Then, in January 1994, he returned
to Peru, his birthplace. It was finally time to meet this incredibly talented artist, and
learn the stories behind his art.
Henris father, a Swiss citizen, had long wanted to immigrate to
the United States, but was unable to obtain a residence permit. In 1952 he decided to move
to Peru. Starting from virtually nothing, he progressed to become a successful businessman
in the Peruvian community. There he married a woman who was of mixed Spanish and Inca
heritage. Heinrich (Henri) Peter was born in 1957.
Henri was a rebellious youth, unable to conform to the academic
requirements of the Peruvian schools. To learn discipline, he was sent to a boarding
school in Lausanne, Switzerland. In this more structured environment, Henris vigorous
nature was channeled into art. He spent his leisure time with sketchbook in hand; many of
these early drawings reflect the intensity that would become his professional hallmark.
After leaving Switzerland, however, it would be more than twelve years before he indulged
his creative aspect.
In 1983, Henri moved to the United States, living first in Los
Angeles, then in Texas. Henris life at this point seemed plagued with misfortune. Although
he was living in an area whose natural splendor would have a profound and lasting effect
on him, he was restless and distraught. Frequently depressed, Henri scarcely noticed his
surroundings. Finally, in 1989, he began to draw again, and his art transformed his life.
Through the pages of Southwest Art magazine, Henri discovered the
beauty of the Native Americans and their art. His drawings turned to themes of the
Southwest. He was enthralled by his impression of the Native Americans, whom he saw as
kindred spirits: strong, rebellious, and free. He chose to bring this impression of a
proud people to his art, and his art transformed his life.
Henris unique interpretation of the Native American spirit
quickly became his trademark. The powerful emotions of his subjects and the bold colors he
paints them with, have broken the mold once surrounding Native American art. Henri has
truly created a new form for his art. Since he began painting professionally in December
of 1991, Henri Peter has completed over one hundred original pieces. Henri paints as he
feels; this is reflected in the unrestrained, raw vitality of his art. Since 1993, Henri
Peter and the Phoenix Gallery have forged a highly successful alliance, and a new market
for a new kind of art.
Henri primarily uses live models and photographs as the basis for
his paintings. But no matter what color the eyes, they are the eyes of Henri. In his
recent work, Henri Peter has undertaken a transition. He is slowly moving away from
traditional Native American themes, although the beauty and spirit of the Native Americans
continue to infuse his art. As can be seen in the original painting Atrapadi, this slight
shift in focus has refreshed Henris work. Change strengthens both art and artist, and this
seems increasingly true for Henri Peter.
We invite you to join in the continuing accomplishments of Henri
Peter. Become part of the rest of this story....
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