WORKS
ABOUT
"Through my carvings I communicate the connection with my whenua (land) and my whakapapa (genealogy)" - Nigel Scanlon, 2020
Nigel Scanlon is a artist based on Waiheke, New Zealand, well known for his sculptural work in the mediums of stone, wood and bronze. He draws inspiration from his traditional Maori heritage and the coastal environment where he lives. His skill in carving is evident in the way he brings a soft fluidity to forms hewn blocks of solid stone, drawing out textures and nuances from this natural medium.
Nigel grew up in Wanganui, two years of study Shane Cotton, Bob Janke and Fred Graham at Whanganui Polytech which afforded him a base of knowledge and practice that started his career.
Waka Tiwai - Nigel Scanlon
Waka Tiwai - Nigel Scanlon
Waka Tiwai - Nigel Scanlon
Waka Tiwai - 2016, Olympic Park, New Lynn.
This waka or canoe was carved by Nigel Scanlon in Columnar basalt from the Hikurangi region of Northland. Made up of eight carved pieces, this canoe pays homage to nearby waterways which used to move Totara and Kauri logs to areas where waka would be carved.
Scanlon draws from the tradition of Maori iconography found in raranga (weaving used for making baskets and bags) & tukutuku (woven panels). They represented here in the patterns intricately carved into the basalt surface. - Sculpture Map NZ
Exhibitions
2017 Sculpture on the Gulf, Waiheke Island NZ
2015 He Taonga Awhina exhibition - Whanganui, NZ
2013 Sculpt Oneroa, Waiheke Island, NZ
2011 Mauri (Touch) Stone, permanent installation, Boffa Miskell, NZ
2009 Te Kupenga Stone Symposium, New Plymouth, NZ
2008 Waka Tiwai, Olympic Park, Auckland, NZ
2005 Whanganui Awa Exhibition, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, NZ
Press
Artisphere - NZ, 2021
Two years ago, Nigel carved a series of four basalt pieces. These wall hanging masks are intricate, beautiful and delicate, simultaneously invoking strength and power. The mask featured on the Artisphere site is Number Four in this four part series.
Two years ago, Nigel carved a series of four basalt pieces. These wall hanging masks are intricate, beautiful and delicate, simultaneously invoking strength and power. The mask featured on the Arisphere site is Number Four in this four part series.
He Taonga Awhina exhibition - NZ Herald, 2015
Nine Maori artists have come together for an exhibition on suicide.
He Taonga Awhina - The Treasured Gift of Life - was showing at Gallery On Guyton in Whanganui, NZ
Hei Matua - Outdoor Art NZ, 2018
Hei Matau by Nigel Scanlon was made from basalt sourced from Whakapara north of Whangarei. Usually carved as pendants hei matau are designed in the shape of a fish hook and represent good luck and safe travels. This sculpture is located along the sculpture walk at the Whangarei town basin.