JÖRG AUER

From veterinary surgeon to sculptor: Jörg Auer. The knowledge gained during his academic career and professional practice in animal autonomy underwent a dramatic transformation in 2012 when the artist from Lenzburg (Switzerland) decided to fully dedicate himself to creating art. A longtime lover of drawing and other art forms like wood carving and etching in his youth, he had also illustrated his scientific publications throughout his professional career.

Fascinated by bronze sculptures, Auer began experimenting with his first clay modeling attempts, initially with the guidance of an artist friend from Arizona. Transitioning from clay to bronze felt natural and transformative. This led Auer to enroll in a course at the Scottsdale Artists School during one of his annual visits to the United States. There, he began to channel his passion for animals into art, making them central to his work. Their vast diversity became a source of inspiration and a signature feature of his artistic expression.

Over the years, Jörg Auer expanded his artistic pursuits in Switzerland, also reconnecting with his youthful passions. He found a great mentor in Peter Hammer, who introduced him to the art of etching and aquatint—techniques that are as captivating as they are challenging. For a period, he produced etchings, aquatints, and lithographs in Switzerland, while sculpting in Arizona, where he spent half of his time. Eventually, he integrated sculpting into his routine in Switzerland, at Lenzburg, where it gradually took precedence over creating etchings. Collaborating with the Swiss art foundry Perseo, he began casting his clay sculptures in bronze, creating pieces on commission.

More recently, Jörg Auer has ventured into larger sculptures, such as his piece Pont des Arts, depicting Switzerland’s most successful racehorse. This work is now on display at the Horse Park in Zurich, home to Switzerland’s largest racetrack. Since then, he has created additional pieces, including a 3D rendition of Franz Marc’s 1911 painting Zwei Blaue Fohlen (Two Blue Foals), which will debut at YouNique 2025.