Anton Forde

Anton Forde Pen to Peace to Peaceful Pen, 2019

1881 numbered Treated Pine Survey Pegs, 2000 Plastic supports and Te Whetūmatarau Whenua

Every day we interact with ourselves, each other, and land. Most of us have a relationship with a survey peg whether we like it or not. Most of us also interact or have some form of relationship with birds/manu. You are asked to participate in this evolving sculpture, which remembers the first peaceful protests of the past, the recognition of wrongdoing through the signing of a formal apology in 2017, and the little birds/manu that are symbols of a new dawn of peace, beauty and hope.

Inspired by and dedicated to all who have stood strong under the passive resistance movement kauapapa/ philosophy founded by Parihaka Prophets Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti O Rongomai and those that received an apology by the Government received 49,524 days later.

Anton Forde

Born Invercargill. Lives and works on Waiheke Island.

Connection to the land, the majesty of nature, and a fascination with themes universal to ‘first nation’ cultures; these are the greatest influences on Anton Forde’s work. Forde began carving when he was 18 and studied art under such influential sculptors as Paul Dibble, Gary Whiting and Paul Hansen. The Māori Visual Arts Programme was being founded while he was at Massey University, serving to validate his chosen path. Twenty years after making a commitment to continue to study, Forde is completing his Masters of Māori Visual Arts. Forde has since spent periods living in his Nanna’s (Taranaki- Ngati Ruanui) part of the country, with the majestic Maunga Taranaki ever-present, and in Ireland where he discovered ancient inspirational art themes.

Forde has exhibited both as a solo artist and as part of group exhibitions, in New Zealand, Ireland and in San Francisco. He has pieces in public and private collections in New Zealand and around the world. Forde is presently working on a number of public commissions and is the commissioned artist for a 14-metre-long waka installation outside the new Whitewater Wero Park in Manukau.

www.antonfordeart.com