Visual artist Peter Markus Jentes Follow.Art Card

About me

Peter Markus Jentes (b. 1976) — though I go simply by Markus — I’m a contemporary abstract artist based in Manila, creating work that explores the dynamic interplay between expressionism and geometry. My art reflects on the tension of contrasts: emotion and structure, chaos and order, spontaneity and control.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Pepperdine University in 1999, where I studied under respected mentors including Joseph Piasentin, Avery Faulkner, Bob Privitt, Sonia Sorell, and Leonard Skuro. Though much of my early career was spent running my own advertising firm, I eventually redirected my creative energy into fine art—where my ideas and instincts feel most at home.

My earlier work leaned heavily into hard-edged geometric compositions, and gained wider recognition with my 2019 solo exhibition, MIAMI. Since then, my style has shifted significantly. I’ve embraced a more expressive, introspective approach—rooted in personal experiences of frustration, transformation, and reflection. The horizon line has become a recurring visual metaphor in my work, symbolizing duality, choice, and the often fragile nature of resolution.

I now work with mixed media, layering acrylics, spray paint, and various tactile materials to add depth and texture. These layers mirror the emotional and conceptual complexity I aim to convey. I see abstraction as both a tool for introspection and a universal language—inviting viewers to engage with contrast, tension, and the nuanced harmony that lies within the chaos.

Through exhibitions, commissions, and continuous creative exploration, I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of my practice—seeking truth and resonance through every mark I make.