Tony Hiles

Films in the Archive

Michael Smither: Life and Death

Tony Hiles

New Zealand artist Michael Smither revisits two unfinished paintings and scores a lament for the Pike River miners. As he paints, he provides straightforward and illuminating commentary on technique and intention.

Michael Smither: Music

Tony Hiles

A retrospective exhibition at the Pah Homestead presents an opportunity for painter and composer Michael Smither to survey his 40-year adventure in synaesthesia, expressing sound and colour together.

Michael Smither: Portraits

Tony Hiles

In the uncommonly moving seventh episode of Wellington filmmaker Tony Hiles’ documentary series celebrating the creative skills of his friend, Michael Smither, he finds the renowned artist returning after 40 years to portraiture.

Michael Smither: Prints

Tony Hiles

In a succinctly condensed hour we join artist Michael Smither for a few days at the print shop as he and highly respected screen-printer Don Tee complete editions of three works.

Michael Smither: Artist in Residence

Tony Hiles

This lively visit with artist Michael Smither marks the second in a series planned by filmmaker Tony Hiles to chronicle one of the country’s most instantly recognisable painters at work through his eighth decade.

Michael Smither: Of Crimson Joy

Tony Hiles

Filmmaker Tony Hiles observes his friend Michael Smither, the painter, composer – and, in this film, singer too – as he rethinks work he deems unsuccessful and finds consolation and inspiration in poetry.

Antonello and the Architect

Tony Hiles

Wellington architect Bill Toomath talks about his life and architecture in the context of a new room he has added to his house that's based on a famous Renaissance painting.

Michael Smither: Light Through the Trees

Tony Hiles

Painter Michael Smither reflects on the life of trees, particularly the coastal pōhutukawa. He notes studies of the winter light through their branches, and sets out to meticulously capture the challenging shapes.

Michael Smither: Into Perspective

Tony Hiles

Painter and composer Michael Smither is a lucid and engaging commentator on his own work and life in the third of a series of short documentaries about him by filmmaker Tony Hiles.