Gina Rinehart, the richest person in Australia, has requested that a portrait of herself that is deemed “unflattering” be taken down from exhibit at the National Gallery (NGA). Currently, twenty-one paintings are reportedly on display in the “Australia in Colour” exhibition at the gallery in Canberra, Australia’s capital.
The Independent reports that the 70-year-old is the Executive Chairperson of Hancock Prospecting, a privately held company with an estimated $30.6 billion in value that engages in mineral exploration and exploitation. The first major survey exhibition of an award-winning artist features numerous portraits, including hers, which were unveiled at the Canberra gallery.
The gallery features the late Queen Elizabeth II, American singer Jimi Hendrix, Australian Aboriginal rights campaigner Vincent Lingiari, and former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The portrait was done by Aboriginal artist Vincent Namatjira, a “celebrated portraitist and satirical recorder of Australian identity,” according to the National Gallery of Australia website. Meanwhile, Gina Rinehart is shown in the portrait with reddish pale complexion, a wide forehead, and creases under her chin.
According to the Financial Review, some of Gina Rinehart’s acquaintances have sent strongly worded comments to the gallery demanding the painting to be removed. Several complaints have also been filed with the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) over the painting, including some from athletes sponsored by her company. However, the NGA has declined to move the picture, which will remain on display until July 21.
“Since 1973, when the National Gallery acquired Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles, there has been a dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the national collection, and/or on display at the gallery. We present works of art to the Australian public to inspire people to explore, experience, and learn about art,” the gallery said as quoted by The Guardian.
Artist Vincent Namatjira addressed the criticism by stating, “I paint the world as I see it.” He told CNN that he paints “wealthy, powerful, and significant” people that have inspired him and his country, “whether directly or indirectly, whether for good or bad.”
Who Is Gina Rinehart?
She is the sole daughter of Lang Hancock, the late mining mogul. She inherited her father’s business, Hancock Prospecting, over thirty years ago and has grown it into a multibillion-dollar enterprise. Gina Rinehart is serving as Hancock Prospecting’s executive chairperson. Rinehart, 70, has an estimated net worth of $30.9 billion. Forbes lists her as the second-largest cattle producer in Australia.
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