KEYES

NATHAN SLATE JOSEPH

Sculptor and artist Nathan Slate Joseph is renowned for his unique process of creating dynamic, abstract compositions of galvanized steel. The Israeli-born artist produces rhythmic, geometric works by applying pure mineral pigment mixed with acid and water to zinc-galvanized steel pieces, and soldering them together. His intensely vibrant color palette completes the riveting effect of his art.

While growing up near Jerusalem, Nathan drew inspiration from the walls that have surrounded parts of the city since ancient times, and his paintings and sculptures often reflect images of walls. Also interwoven in his works are allusions to the themes of globalization, immigration and climate change.

Nathan moved to New York City in the 1960's and began experimenting with scrap metal. He developed his singular technique of staining the metal with vivid color pigments and then exposing these works to the elements, creating the rich, unpredictable patinas and textures that are his signature.

Legendary artist Larry Rivers described Nathan's work by saying, “There’s a kind of weight and primitive attractiveness to the work. It’s attention-getting. He’s got something going, and I really think it’s good.”

Nathan has been the subject of a documentary film, “The Way It Goes” by Lana Jokel, and the book, “Building a Picture: The Art of Nathan Slate Joseph,” by Michael J. Amy and Marius Kwint. Nathan was awarded an Art in Architecture Award from the American Institute of Architects in 2003, and has collaborated with the acclaimed architect Adam Tihany on numerous public projects. Private collectors include acclaimed sculptor John Chamberlain, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell and the noted French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. In the documentary, “The Way It Goes,” Joni Mitchell explained her admiration for Nathan's work. “I've been a fan of his art from the beginning...I've been along for the whole ride, and enjoyed it from the start...It just seems to get more and more interesting.”

After moving to New York from Israel, Nathan studied at The Art Students League, The Pratt Institute and The New School for Social Research.

His work decorates several world-famous hotels and restaurants, including the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, Jean-Georges at the Trump International Hotel the Seafood Bar at The Breakers and the Dan Eilat Hotel in Israel. He is also a member of the U.S. State Department’s Art in Embassies Program and his work hangs in the U.S. embassies in Cyprus, Mexico, and Turkey. Nathan's work is currently showing at Keyes Art in Sag Harbor, NY, and has also been exhibited in the following venues: the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Sundaram Tagore Gallery, New York, NY; Perimeter Gallery, Chicago, IL; Parrish Art Museum, Southampton, NY; and Felissimo Foundation, New York, NY.