Simon Max Bannister

Simon Max Bannister (b. 1982, Johannesburg) is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice functions at the intersection of environmental advocacy, totemic symbolism, and material exploration. Currently based in Ōtautahi, New Zealand, he has spent over a decade developing a visual vernacular through sculpture.

Artistic Philosophy and Practice

Central to Simon Max Bannister’s work is the investigation of the industrial-natural interface. Their current practice utilises the rugged topography of the South Island as a backdrop for exploring "shard-like" geometries. By translating the organic textures of splintered wood into unique bronze casts and constructing layered, architectural forms in Corten steel, he creates a dialogue between the permanence of metal and the fragility of the animals and ecosystems they represent. This aesthetic evolution reflects a career-long fascination with how mythology and animal symbolism can act as a bridge for ecological consciousness.

Professional Trajectory & Environmental Engagement

After graduating with a BA in Graphic Design (2009) and refining a rigorous design discipline at GRID under Nathan Reddy, Simon Max Bannister transitioned into the field of Land Art and site-specific installation. Their portfolio is marked by a deep commitment to environmental research, including:

• Scientific Collaboration: Serving as crew for the Sea-Dragon microplastics research vessel in the South Atlantic, which informed a subsequent TED regional talk on the synthesis of Land Art and conservation.

• Public Installation: High-profile commissions such as the Agulhas Africa Map Icon and the Plastikos installation at the Two Oceans Aquarium, both of which challenge viewers to confront human impact on the biosphere.

• Ephemeral Architecture: Serving as the Lead Design for the Afrikaburn Temple for three consecutive years, managing the intersection of community ritual and monumental scale in the Tankwa Karoo.

Recognition and Global Presence

A former winner of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Artist of the Year (2013), Simon Max Bannister has seen his work sold at Christie’s London and exhibited in major centres including Los Angeles, London, and Cape Town. His sculptures are held in significant permanent collections, most notably the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden (Icarus Wish).

Today, Simon Max Bannister is an active member of the Rei Collective at the Whakaraupo Carving Centre and serves on the Artscape Tankwa Art Residency selection committee. He has 30 permanent Corten steel installations across New Zealand and private collections spanning North America, Europe, and Asia.