JAMES R FORD | Universe of Things
"...the paradox of choice, and of course, the absurdity of life..."
Universe of Things is an exhibition exploring ideas around language (visual or
written) and the search for meaning. Works taking the form of paintings, drawings, text statements, and sculpture. Underpinning Ford's practice is an interest in what it is to be human: what we live for, how we create meaning, what we value, the paradox of choice, and of course, the absurdity of life.
The title and thinking behind this exhibition is inspired by The Wisdom of
Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety by "philosophical entertainer" Alan
Watts: "Travel between outer and inner space, and explore a vast, interconnected universe of things without enforced goals, scores, or tasks to complete."
This exhibition will also launch Ford's latest monograph entitled Topsy-Turvy (alongside a limited edition print). Many of the works in the book will appear in this exhibition.
James R Ford (b. 1980) is a contemporary artist based in New Zealand, originally
from England. Ford has exhibited both in New Zealand and internationally, and his
work is held in private and public collections. Beyond his visual art practice, he has also written about art and creativity, contributing to discourse around the role of the artist in contemporary culture.
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James R. FordDouble Hook, 2025Resin, acrylic paint90 (w) x 66 (h) x 36 (d) cmEdition of 5 plus 1 artist's proof$4,500 -
James R. FordThe Dangling Carrot, 2023Bronze, 22k gold leaf, 18k gold plated chain90 (h) x 60 (w) x 4 (d) cm approx.Edition of 5 plus 1 artist's proof
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James R. FordTopsy-Turvy, 2025Signed, dated, titled, and editionedInk on 324gsm archival paper42 x 29.7 cmEdition of 25 plus 3 artist's proofs$550 unframed / $750 framed
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James R. FordTopsy-Turvy, 2025103 pages, casewrap, full colour interior15.2 x 22.9 cm$40
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James R. FordFinitude (FEN1), 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint and acrylic ink on canvas76 x 76 cm
$4,500 -
James R. FordFinitude (TP53BP1), 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint and acrylic ink on canvas76 x 76 cm
$4,500 -
James R. FordFinitude (WRN), 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint and acrylic ink on canvas76 x 76 cm
$4,500 -
James R. FordFinitude (ZMPSTE24), 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint and acrylic ink on canvas76 x 76 cm
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James R. FordIt's All a Bit Confusing, Then It's Over., 2025Site-specific vinyl lettering550 x 112 cm
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James R. FordBelief in Believing, 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint on canvas60 x 90 cm$3,750
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James R. FordWanting What We Want to Want, 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint on canvas60 x 90 cm$3,750
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James R. FordDistracted from Distraction by Distraction, 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint on canvas55 x 70 cm$3,500
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James R. FordStressed Spelled Backwards is Desserts, 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint on canvas55 x 70 cm$3,500
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James R. FordThe Remedy is in the Poison, 2024Signed, dated and titled on versoEmulsion paint on canvas55 x 70 cm$3,500
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James R. FordThe Menu Is Not the Meal, 2023Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic and emulsion paint on canvas60 x 60 cm$3,500
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James R. FordBiting Your Own Teeth, 2023Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic and emulsion paint on canvas51 x 76 cm$3,500
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James R. FordHaving. Doing. Being., 2023Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic and emulsion paint on canvas60 x 60 cm$3,500
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James R. FordThis is Not an Oak Tree, 2023Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic paint on printed AI generated image on canvas60 x 60 cm$3,500
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James R. FordHalentecks, 2022Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic paint on canvas75 x 100 cm$4,500
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James R. FordOfferet, 2022Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic paint on canvas75 x 100 cm$4,500
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James R. FordMorpenes, 2023Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic paint on canvas51 x 41 cm$3,000
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James R. FordHiating, 2023Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic paint on canvas51 x 41 cm$3,000
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James R. FordLochich, 2022Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic paint on linen51 x 41 cm$3,500
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James R. FordBelusen , 2022Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic paint on linen51 x 41 cm$3,500
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James R. FordNoelind, 2022Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic paint on linen51 x 41 cm$3,500
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James R. FordHelper Handshake Battalion Rumbling, 2021Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic on canvas30 x 30 cm
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James R. FordTwice Difficult Kooky Oaf, 2021Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic on canvas30 x 30 cm
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James R. FordUntitled (7 green dots on blue), 2021Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic on canvas50 x 50 cm$3,500
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James R. FordUntitled (33 dots), 2020Signed, dated and titled on versoAcrylic ink on canvas80 x 80 cm
