Föenander Galleries is delighted to announce that the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich, United Kingdom, has acquired Tokiwai, a significant stone carving by Aotearoa-based artist Anton Forde, for its permanent collection.
First presented at the inaugural Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail in 2025, Tokiwai has travelled from Aotearoa to the United Kingdom, where it will become part of a collection spanning ancient civilisations to major artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Francis Bacon, Leonora Carrington, Elisabeth Frink, Alberto Giacometti, Henry Moore, Sol LeWitt and Pablo Picasso, Antony Gormley.
Designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster and opened in 1978, the Sainsbury Centre is internationally recognised for its progressive approach to art and its presentation.
The acquisition of Tokiwai marks a significant moment for Forde, whose practice brings together material, cultural knowledge and a deep connection to place.
Reflecting on the work’s presence at the Sainsbury Centre, Executive Director Dr Jago Cooper shares:
“Tokiwai is such a powerful and well-loved force of nature in our sculpture park. It is wonderful to witness all our visitors gravitate towards the eye-catching sculpture, to experience its energy and reflect on its message. We are hugely privileged to host Anton’s work here and be home to such a meaningful artwork.”
Sue Weymouth, Director of Aotearoa Art Fair, reflects on the significance of the acquisition:
“It is a huge achievement and an honour for Anton to have his work join the Sainsbury Centre's permanent collection. Audiences at the Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail have been moved by his work over the past two years, and it is wonderful to see it now travel far beyond the place where it was created, carrying with it the stories, the care and the mana that Anton has carved into it.”
This acquisition is a significant milestone in Forde’s practice and an opportunity for Tokiwai to continue its journey, connecting audiences across continents through the enduring presence of stone, story and place.
Image: Dr. Jago Cooper, Anton Forde, Tania Moore - Head of Exhibitions, Dr. Rosy Gray - Head of Living Art
