Te Ara Whakarei
Te Ara Whakarei
Te Ara Whakarei

Alex Nathan MNZM

Te Roroa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua

Alex Nathan MNZM

Collective(s):

Alex Nathan is a carver and jeweler , with a mastery of materials including bone, shell, stone, wood and precious metals.

Alex worked on the monumental rock carvings around Lake Taupo in 1979 and Matatina Marae, with his brother Manos, in the early 1980s,

In 1986, he shifted his focus to the Waitangi Tribunal process addressing his hapū (tribal) land and resource claims. During this time Alex explored the complexities of Taonga—an encompassing term for tangible and intangible treasures.

In 1991, an encounter with Hopi artist Michael Kabotie introduced him to the traditional Hopi overlay method of crafting jewelry. Alex's work seamlessly blends traditional Māori designs into sterling silver, featuring meticulous hand-carved finishing. His artistic prowess has graced prestigious exhibitions, and he continues to contribute actively to cultural exchanges in the United States, Canada, and Hawaii.  His works are prominently showcased in public exhibitions and held in private collections globally, and in Te Papa – The National Museum of New Zealand and the Dowse Gallery.

Championing the finest of Māori creativity, past, present and future. Championing the finest of Māori creativity, past, present and future. Championing the finest of Māori creativity, past, present and future. Championing the finest of Māori creativity, past, present and future.