About
Directed by Sam Pillsbury, this 1974 film observes Ralph Hotere — one of New Zealand’s greatest artists — at a moment when excitement is gathering about his work. Lauded as a “classic” by Ian Wedde, the documentary is framed around the execution of a watershed piece: a large mural Hotere was commissioned to paint for Hamilton’s Founders Theatre. Interviews with friends and associates — poets Hone Tuwhare and Bill Manhire, art critics, officials and dealers — are intercut with fascinating shots of Hotere working (including making art by photocopying or 'xerography').
Related images
From left to right: Director Sam Pillsbury, artist Ralph Hotere and cameraman Lynton Diggle during the making of 1974 National Film Unit documentary Ralph Hotere.
Publicity photo taken by the National Film Unit. Supplied by Lynton Diggle.
From left to right: Director Sam Pillsbury, artist Ralph Hotere and cameraman Lynton Diggle during the making of 1974 National Film Unit documentary Ralph Hotere.
Publicity photo taken by the National Film Unit. Supplied by Lynton Diggle.
Artist Ralph Hotere and Sam Pilsbury during the production of Ralph Hotere.
Photo taken by the National Film Unit, supplied by Lynton Diggle.
Lynton Diggle films artist Ralph Hotere as he uses a Xerox copier, for 1974 National Film Unit documentary Ralph Hotere.
Photo taken by the National Film Unit, supplied by Lynton Diggle.
