Samer Hatam

SAMER HATAM (b.1964) is an artist based in Auckland, New Zealand, working across conceptual art and printmaking. Born in Baghdad, Hatam studied printmaking at the Institute of Fine Arts before relocating to New Zealand, where he earned both a Diploma and Master of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland.

His practice explores the architectural imagination, drawing on modernist structures and urban environments as a way to navigate memory, displacement and cultural continuity. Hatam’s work often reflects a dialogue between ancient Mesopotamian heritage and contemporary urban experience.

Exhibiting internationally since 1984, Hatam has shown in the Middle East, Europe and New Zealand. Notable solo exhibitions include My City at Judith Anderson Gallery in 2005, Transplant at Edmiston Duke Gallery in 2006 and Urbs at City Art Rooms in 2008.

His work has appeared in the Norwegian International Print Biennale in Fredrikstad, the Cairo International Print Biennale, the Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh and Contemporary Iraqi Artists at Shoman Funun in Jordan. He was a finalist for the James Wallace Art Award in 2005 and continues to contribute to national exhibitions in New Zealand, including the National Drawing Awards and First Impressions printmaking showcases.

In addition to his fine art practice, Hatam is also a children’s book illustrator, bringing his visual storytelling into playful and imaginative realms that connect with younger audiences.