The Big Picture - Episode Five

Television (Full Length Episode) – 2007

Presenter Hamish Keith examines the tyranny of distance in this episode from his award-winning 2007 series reappraising New Zealand visual art. For twentieth century Pākehā artists, the lure of Europe, Britain and America meant they either relocated permanently (like Frances Hodgkins) or returned home to incorporate or reject the styles they'd been exposed to internationally. For Māori artists, the struggle was closer to home; while the landmark Te Māori exhibition gave Māori taonga an international audience, younger artists were reclaiming traditional art forms for themselves.

The Big Picture is entertaining, good-looking television. Keith is a charismatic front man. His distinguished persona is part Kenneth Clark, part Robert Hughes, part Sister Wendy ... His anecdotes, haiku sound-bites, and throwaway judgements suggest we’re getting it all from the horse’s mouth.
– Art critic and curator Robert Leonard on presenter Hamish Keith, Robert Leonard website