Michael Smither

This screensprint was adapted from the original painting ‘Coral Head with Blue-Green Fish’ 2002. “Inspired by a dive in Fiji, the fish retreat into the shelter of the coral as I approached and …

“Inspired by a dive in Fiji, the fish retreated into the shelter of the coral as I approached and emerged again on my withdrawal. The brain like shape of the coral and the fish sheltering & emerging, made me think of the process of dreams – how ideas & images emerge as we sleep and disappear back into our subconscious when we wake”. – Michael Smither

Artist Bio

Michael Smither is a contemporary New Zealand artist renowned for his work as a painter and printmaker. His work often depicts everyday life, landscapes, and domestic scenes, characterised by strong compositions, clarity, and a distinctive use of colour.

Smither’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in observation, where his precise, sharp-edged style captures not just the appearance of his subjects but their inherent structure and atmosphere. His work is often concerned with the interplay between form, light, and space, lending his compositions a striking clarity and sense of balance. This analytical approach extends to both his paintings and prints, where simplified forms and carefully modulated colour create a heightened sense of reality.

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