HOWARD TANGYE

Synopsis

This intimate portrait captures the life and work of Howard Tangye, a celebrated Australian artist who has lived and worked in London since the late 1960s. Renowned for his evocative drawings, Tangye reflects on his journey from a childhood in Mount Isa, Australia, to becoming Head of Women's Wear at Central Saint Martins, where he mentored luminaries like John Galliano and Stella McCartney.

Filmed in his North London atelier, the film follows Tangye as he creates a new drawing, his voice narrating a mosaic of personal memories: discovering his passion for art, the transformative experience of studying in London, and the liberating exuberance of the gay scene in 1970s New York. Against the backdrop of his evolving artwork, Tangye speaks with disarming honesty about love, loss, and the enduring importance of looking within—both in art and life.

Accompanied by an original soundscape by the Danish composer Sol Over Neon, 'Howard Tangye - A Portrait of an Artist' offers a poignant meditation on creativity, beauty, and the artist's role in preserving the fragile dreams that inspire us all.

Director's Biography

Originally from Denmark, Emilie Grubert is a multidisciplinary designer based in Bruges in Belgium. Emilie’s path first led her to London, where she earned a First-class Honours Degree in Women’s Wear from Central Saint Martins in 2008, and in 2014, she deepened her practice with a Master’s Degree with Distinction from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art and Design.

Emilie has lived and worked in cities around the world, from London and Paris to Singapore and Shanghai. During her time in Shanghai, she served as academic leader, designer, and senior lecturer at the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art.

As a designer, Emilie’s work revolves around storytelling, brought to life through moving image, large-scale 3D illustrations, and wearable art. Her collaborations with artists, musicians, and choreographers have been featured in music videos and exhibitions across Europe.

A self-taught filmmaker, Emilie’s debut documentary, 'Howard Tangye - A Portrait of an Artist', explores the life and philosophy of the artist Howard Tangye. The film marks a significant step in Emilie’s multidisciplinary journey, blending her passion for art and design with her love for storytelling and moving images.