Australia’s biggest billionaire Gina Rinehart has called on the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra to keep a portrait of renowned Aboriginal artist Vincent Namatjira from public view.
According to the BBC, the portrait of Rinehart, 70, is among 21 color photographs by Namatjira, 40, which will be shown in the “Vincent Namatjira: Australia in Colour” exhibition in July.
Namatjira is known for his cartoonish style that challenges power structures.
Rinehart, the owner of Hancock Prospecting Australia, is one of the largest private investors in Australian sports and is known as a prolific philanthropist.
However, he is known for fighting for his family’s public rights and for his outspoken comments on everything from climate change to laws protecting indigenous heritage.
Rinehart, whose portrait was among 21, swimming champion Kyle Chalmers and Queensland Swimming chief Kevin Hasemann petitioned the gallery to have the portrait removed.
They claim the portrait, which has been on display since March, is offensive and absurd.
However, Namatjira’s response to the criticism was simple: “I paint the world as I see it.”
Namatjira, who became the first indigenous person to win the Archibald Prize in Australia’s biggest portrait competition in 2020, said his work was designed to make viewers aware of influence and privilege.
Australia’s richest woman upset over her portrait by Aboriginal artist
