Peter Weiler

Class of 2021

Peter Weiler is a Hungarian multimedia artist working primarily with digital tools. Coming from a family of architects, his main focus is the human psyche in the built, modern, urban environment. With subtle humor he creates snapshots of contemporary challenges, blending street philosophy and graffiti quirkiness.

His colorful works deal with the political and emotional aspects of life in Hungary, deeply rooted melancholy for loss of time, and the changing cultural scenery that is apparent in design, architecture and the human interaction. Weiler often blends art history and the contemporary art scene of Budapest and New York in his themes, juxtaposing the banality of modern city life with the privileges and comfort of our society.

He seeks interaction on the streets and frequently organizes performances that reflect on social issues. At the time Hungary started to build the southern border fence during the height of the migration crisis in 2015, he introduced his Personal Border Protection Device to the country. The piece was a barbed wire one-man mobile cage he wore while walking around in the railway station where the temporary refugee shelter was set-up. The performance received international critical acclaim.

He graduated from The Art Institute of Philadelphia in 1996 and after spending two years in the USA he moved back to Budapest, where he currently works. Peter joined the MFA – Art Practice program of School of Visual Arts in New York in 2019.