Wealthy Australian Woman Requests Removal of Unfavorable Portrait
Gina Rinehart, worth an estimated US$30.6 billion, is seeking the removal of a portrait painted by award-winning Aboriginal artist Vincent Namatjira.
The Western Australian mining billionaire expressed her disapproval of the portrait and requested the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) to take it down from their exhibition. She approached the gallery’s director, Nick Mitzevich, and chair, Ryan Stokes, in April to lobby for its removal.
The portrait is part of a larger collection titled “Australia in Colour” by Vincent Namatjira, which includes works of Queen Elizabeth II, AFL player Adam Goodes, and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The gallery acquired the portrait as part of its 40th-anniversary celebrations in 2022.
Vincent Namatjira is known for his unique style of painting people with almost cartoon-like appearances, using satirical humor as a commentary on power. The exhibit aims to offer a contemporary Aboriginal perspective on the politics of history, power, and leadership.
Despite receiving complaints, the South Australian gallery confirmed that they were not pressured to remove the portrait. However, the NGA reportedly received around a dozen complaints, including some from athletes sponsored by Gina Rinehart’s company, Hancock Prospecting.
Hancock Prospecting, the 20 billion dollar mining business owned by Gina Rinehart, has raised concerns that the unflattering nature of the portrait could impact the company’s reputation. The NGA has decided to keep the portrait on display until July 21, standing firm on their decision.
In 2020, Vincent Namatjira made history by becoming the first Aboriginal artist to win the Archibald Prize. He comes from a lineage of artists, including his grandfather, Albert Namatjira. Gina Rinehart, listed as a “friend” of the NGA, has not commented on the situation at the time of publication.
