Interview
Peter Kafka
Pete Kafka is an emerging artist whose path to creativity began after more than twenty years in the corporate world. Burnout and personal challenges led him to pick up a paintbrush, and what started as a form of therapy quickly evolved into a daily practice and a new direction in life. Largely self-taught but enriched by short courses at the Brisbane School of Art and Byron School of Art, Pete has developed a style that blends expressive abstraction with geometric structures. His works are layered, immersive, and often explore themes of resilience, memory, and transformation. Inspired by artists such as Robert Delaunay, Lyubov Popova, and Banksy, Pete creates paintings that balance order and chaos, precision and freedom. His process is experimental and instinctive, using mixed media techniques, unconventional washes, and bold forms to produce pieces that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Pete has exhibited through the Incognito Art Show and sold works via Instagram, where he shares his creative journey with a growing audience. His art remains deeply personal—born from survival and healing—yet universal in its message, inviting viewers to find beauty, strength, and renewal in the face of life’s challenges.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“After more than two decades working in the corporate world, I hit a wall. Burnout, stress, and the weight of a toxic work environment eventually forced me to step back and re-evaluate my life. In the middle of that difficult period, I turned to painting—almost by accident at first, but very quickly it became much more than a hobby. Art became my daily ritual, my refuge, and a lifeline. Although I don’t have a formal academic art degree, I’ve taken short courses at the Brisbane School of Art and at Byron School of Art, where I studied mixed media with Michael Cusack. Those experiences gave me tools and confidence, but much of my practice is self-taught, experimental, and instinct-driven. I started sharing my work on Instagram, which led to sales, and I’ve also been part of the Incognito Art Show. For me, art began as a form of survival, but it’s evolved into a passion and a new direction for my life.”
What inspires you?
“Inspiration for me comes from everywhere—life itself is the biggest muse. The chaos, the beauty, the heartbreaks, and the moments of joy all leave their mark on us, and I try to capture those marks in paint. Memory and transformation inspire me most. I’m fascinated by the way we carry our past within us, and how we’re constantly being reshaped by both trauma and healing. I’m also inspired by nature, architecture, and even geometry—how shapes, patterns, and structures can echo emotional experiences. Music plays a huge role too; it has a rhythm and movement that often guides my brushstrokes. In truth, I never know when inspiration will strike—it could be in a fleeting conversation, a song lyric, or just a colour combination I see in everyday life.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The central themes in my work are survival, healing, and renewal. I paint to process my own experiences of struggle, but the act of creating is also about transforming those struggles into something tangible, something that can connect with others. The underlying message is that we are all resilient, even when we feel fragile. Through abstraction, layering, and expressive mark-making, I explore loss, memory, and the ways we rebuild ourselves. My paintings often carry a dual energy: they can feel chaotic, yet there’s also a sense of calm or resolution emerging underneath. That balance reflects my own process of trying to make sense of difficult times. Ultimately, I want my work to remind viewers that out of pain can come beauty, and out of struggle can come transformation.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is expressive, layered, and sometimes deliberately disorienting. I use geometry, abstract forms, and colour to create compositions that are both emotional and thought-provoking. While I lean towards modern expressionist abstraction, my pieces often carry a sense of personal storytelling beneath the surface. I like to think of my paintings as visual diaries—snapshots of emotion translated into shape, colour, and texture. They can be intense, raw, and energetic, but there’s always an undercurrent of resilience and transformation running through them.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Robert Delaunay has been a huge influence, particularly in how he used colour and geometry to create rhythm and harmony. His ability to turn abstraction into something alive and full of movement has shaped the way I approach form and energy on the canvas. Lyubov Popova is another artist I deeply admire. Her courage to break away from traditional forms and embrace bold abstraction feels very close to my own process. She had this fearless way of experimenting with geometry, structure, and colour that was both intellectual and deeply emotional. I connect with her ability to balance order and chaos—a tension that runs through much of my work as well. For me, Popova represents the freedom of creativity without boundaries, which is something I try to embody every time I step into the studio. And then there’s Banksy, whose work has always resonated with me because of its rawness and commentary. His energy and streetwise edge take me back to my roots as a graffiti artist. He reminds me that art doesn’t need to be polished or sanctioned to make an impact—it just needs to be honest.”
“My work is expressive, layered, and sometimes deliberately disorienting.”
What is your creative process like?
“I’ve always seen the world through shapes—cubes, triangles, pyramids—and those structures find their way into my work. My process usually begins with a background, often experimental and loose. From there, I build layers using a mix of mediums, washes, and unconventional combinations. I enjoy breaking rules—mixing oils and inks, or layering in ways that might technically be frowned upon. The process is messy, immersive, and unpredictable, and I love that. I’m not looking for perfection; I’m looking for honesty and impact. I’ll often step back and rework a piece over several days or weeks, letting it evolve organically. For me, making art is about discovery—finding something unexpected in the process of layering, scraping back, and reimagining.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe an artist’s role is to bring light, joy, and reflection, especially in times of hardship. Art has always been a mirror for society, but it’s also an escape—a way to pause and breathe in the middle of chaos. In today’s fast-paced, digital-heavy world, I think artists are more important than ever. We help people reconnect with themselves, with their emotions, and with each other. Art invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and sometimes see things from a new perspective. For me personally, if someone can look at one of my paintings and feel something—whether it’s calm, recognition, or even discomfort—then I’ve done my job. I think the role of artists will continue to evolve as society changes, but at its heart, it’s always about connection and meaning.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I myself haven't had any solo exhibitions as yet but have had work submitted to the Incognito Art Show (in 2024 and 2025) and sold three pieces the first year and one piece the second year. Ive also had paintings displayed in an group exhibition in Melbourne at Brunswick Street Gallery for the Fifty Squared Art Show in 2025. Two exhbitions of other artists that stand out for me. The Art of Banksy – Without Limits was a huge one. The raw nature of his work and the street vibe instantly transported me back to my teenage years as a graffiti artist. There’s something so liberating about his refusal to conform, and it reminded me that art doesn’t need permission to have power. The other was Iris van Herpen – Sculpting the Senses. It was like stepping into another world. The dystopian feel, the detail, and the sheer imagination of her work were beyond comprehension. It was one of the most inspiring exhibitions I’ve ever seen because it pushed me to think about how far creativity can go when you allow yourself to dream without limits.”
Instagram: @kafka.artz
