Anton Forde

Anton Forde

Forde (Taranaki, Gaeltacht, Gaelic, English) is widely celebrated both locally and internationally for his esteemed sculptural practice, which explores whakapapa, wairua, and our profound connection to the natural world. His work bridges tradition and contemporary form, honouring Māori worldviews while engaging universally with themes of identity, guardianship, and spirituality. Grounded in indigenous knowledge yet resonant across cultures, his sculptures invite reflection on our responsibilities to the whenua and to one another.

Forde studied under Professor Robert Jahnke within the Māori Visual Arts programme, Toioho ki Āpiti, at Massey University, where he completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts with Distinction, followed by a Master of Māori Visual Arts with First-Class Honours. His academic grounding continues to inform a practice deeply committed to cultural continuity and artistic innovation.