You are warmly invited to attend an Artist Talk by Anton Forde, discussing his latest exhibition.

Saturday 18 May 3pm. 

Anton Forde’s Māhutonga - time stands still presents works in kōhatu/stone, Pounamu, andesite, and basalt, carved with markings of Māhutonga/the Southern Cross, Raukura/feathers, and Roimata/teardrops.  These works are a recognition of and salute to our natural world, and the hope that humanity brings whilst interacting with her.  One of the artist's first memories is his father, the engineer on the Milford Road, showing him Māhutonga/ the Southern Cross in the Piopiotahi/Milford Sound night sky, telling him “if ever you are lost, those stars will guide you home.”  Anton Forde says, “These works pay tribute to those whetū/ stars, and those permanently living with the stars, who allow us to find home today.”

Under the supervision of Professor Robert Jahnke at Massey University’s Māori Visual Arts Programme Toioho ki Āpiti, Forde gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts and a Masters of Māori Visual Arts with First Class Honours. Says Forde, “the significance and honour is huge for me to exhibit alongside Bob who is an incredible artist as well as a rangatira/leader in bringing contemporary Māori art into the light for generations of artists.”

Anton Forde began carving when he was 18 and has studied under sculptors Paul Dibble, Gary Whiting and Paul Hansen. Under the supervision of Professor Robert Jahnke at Massey University’s Māori Visual Arts Programme Toioho ki Āpiti, he gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts and a Masters of Māori Visual Arts with First Class Honours. Forde has since spent extended periods living in Taranaki and in Ireland, where he learnt ancient art themes. He now lives on Waiheke Island. Forde’s works feature in public and private collections both in Aotearoa and around the world.