Michael Smither

“When making the popular series of rock & rock pools, in the 60’s, I came to recognise the dynamic points of contact that maintained the balance of rock on rock.

On returning to Taranaki in the 70’s I decided to express these critical points of contact in a series of calligraphic & gestural works, so the title ‘Rocks Revisited’.” – 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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