Welcoming ‘Tiaki Ora ∞ Protecting Life: Anton Forde’ to the Sainsbury Centre

Anton Forde’s (b.1973), Invercargill, Aotearoa (New Zealand) monumental installation of 81 over-life-size figures, Papare Eighty.one (2024) with Shiree Reihana, is shown in the UK for the first time in a new site-specific configuration, Tiaki Ora ∞ Protecting Life, at the Sainsbury Centre.

“It was conceived over an idea of protecting our kids for the future, we have all got a responsibility for that.”, says Forde. Papare Eighty.one is a call for kotahitanga: unity, togetherness and solidarity. It shows that collective action can safeguard the future of our communities for generations to come, without need for killing – both physically and culturally.

This film documents the special ceremony led by Michael Steedman and Kiwiroa Marshall to welcome the exhibition Tiaki Ora ∞ Protecting Life: Anton Forde to the Sainsbury Centre, including Tokiwai, a new piece in the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park.

Read more about the exhibition here.

Tiaki Ora ∞ Protecting Life: Anton Forde is on display until 19 April 2026. This exhibition is a precursor to our upcoming 2025 season Can We Stop Killing Each Other?

Film created by Donovan Jones.

Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club performing. Photo: Andi Sapey

Ariana Tikao performing. Photo: Andi Sapey

Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club performing. Photo: Andi Sapey

At the private view for Tiaki Ora ∞ Protecting Life: Anton Forde. Photo: Andi Sapey

Ariana Tikao playing the ‘Flute (nguru)’ from the Sainsbury Centre’s collection. Photo: Andi Sapey