Anton Forde

Anton Forde Ngāti Ruanui, Taranaki, Gaeltacht, Gaelic, English.

Masters of Māori Visual Arts (1st class Hons with Distinction)

B. Ed, Dip Tching, Post Grad. Dip. Māori Visual Arts (Distinction)

Anton Forde began carving aged 18 and studied art under influential sculptors Paul Dibble, Gary Whiting and Paul Hansen, then Professor Robert Jahnke at Massey University’s Māori Visual Arts Programme Toioho ki Āpiti. Under the supervision of Professor Jahnke, Anton gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts with Distinction, and also achieved a Masters of Māori Visual Arts with First Class Honours.

Forde has since spent extended periods living in Taranaki - Ngati Ruanui - Iwi Taranaki and in Èire/Ireland learning ancient art themes. He now calls Waiheke Island home.

Forde has exhibited both as a solo artist and as part of group exhibitions, in New Zealand, Èire/Ireland and San Francisco, concentrating on sculptures and installations over the past twelve years. His works feature in public and private collections both in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

Connection to the land, majesty of nature, first nation indigenous cultures and the effects of climate change are the main themes that Anton Forde’s work explores, building on the idea that each individual work can make an aesthetic as well as a social statement.

Forde is represented by Forde Gallery in the North Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand

Hear from Anton about our waka project here.