Nicki Manthel graduated with a Degree in Fine Art from Elam, Auckland in 2004. Since then she has exhibited regularly in both New Zealand and Melbourne, most recently with a solo exhibition at The New Zealand Academy of Fine Art in Wellington in 2017 and at Railway Street Gallery, Auckland in February 2018. 

Her solo exhibitions in 2014 at Carbon Black Gallery, Melbourne and The Artists Room, Dunedin in 2015 both sold out. The works focused on larger-than-life flowers and plants painted in oil on linen and silver leaf. Her work is enjoyed across the world from London to Sydney. It has featured in many high-profile settings such as NZ House and Garden, on the set of Shortland Street and as a commission of over forty paintings for the Hilton Hotel apartments, Kawarau, Queenstown. Her work expresses a love of the natural world, a fascination with light and a passion for expressive paint.

Nicki returned to Wellington two and a half years ago after six years living in Melbourne. She now combines her busy painting practice with her role as Development Manager for City Gallery Wellington.