James R Ford

Finally got around to taking some installation photos of 'Universe of Things' at James Blackie gallery . If you're in Wellington come and check it out, exhibition ends next Saturday.

'You Can’t Step in the Same River Twice' is currently on display in the National Contemporary Art Award 2025 at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. The exhibition runs until 16th November.

James R Ford
You Can’t Step in the Same River Twice
2025
Etched glass mirror
92 x 92 cm

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” Every day, people change because of new experiences which shape them. The world is constantly changing: socially, politically, environmentally. And especially after the global pandemic and heightened issues of race in recent years, globally and locally here in Aotearoa.

This work isn’t a warning, more of a self-reflective reminder. As we move forward through the flowing river, we should consider the whakatauki of “Ka Mua Ka Muri” (walking backwards into the future/Looking back in order to move forward). This is alluded to in the use of the mirrored glass: whilst considering the words the viewer can see what is happening behind them. We should look back in order to move forward, but realise that we, and everything around us, is always changing.

Have you ever seen something in something else that isn't there, but once you've seen it you can't unsee it? 'Double Hook' is currently on display as part of the 'Universe of Things' exhibition at

Double Hook
2025
Resin, acrylic paint
90 (w) x 66 (h) x 36 (d) cm
Edition of 5 + 1 AP

Rupol
2025
Emulsion paint and acrylic paint on canvas
61 x 46 cm

4 works from my Finitude Drawings series will be on show in a group exhibition opening at next Thursday. I’ll be exhibiting alongside and .

The opening event is on 4th July, 5.30 - 7.30pm (including a live performative work by Matt Ellwood) and the exhibition runs until 27th July.

Work featured in this post:

Finitude (BRCA1)
2023
Emulsion paint and acrylic ink on canvas
76 x 76 cm

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Peter Dornauf. You can read the conversation in full on my website: https://www.jamesrford.com/texts-media/introspective-sardonic-and-slightly-philosophic/

Saulneapperic
2024
Emulsion paint and acrylic paint on canvas
61 x 46 cm

It was great to talk at Semi Permanent this morning on the topic of experience!