Gina Rinehart, Australia's wealthiest individual, has reportedly requested the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra to remove her portrait created by Aboriginal artist Vincent Namatjira.
The motivations behind Rinehart's demand remain unclear. However, it's evident that Namatjira's portrayal of her, described as "unflattering" by both the Guardian and the Sydney Morning Herald, might have influenced her decision. The portrait depicts her with a pinkish complexion, accentuated chin folds, and a downward-turned mouth, which may not be the kindest representation of Rinehart.
This painting is part of Namatjira's retrospective currently on display at the National Gallery, having previously been showcased at the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide. Namatjira, a celebrated figure in Australia, gained significant recognition when he became the first Indigenous artist to win the Archibald Prize, a prestigious award for portraiture, in 2020.
Rinehart, who amassed her fortune in the mining industry and currently serves as the chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting, has frequently been in the national spotlight due to various controversies. Most notably, in 2022, she withdrew funding from a netball team after an Indigenous player requested the removal of the Hancock Prospecting logo from her uniform.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Rinehart personally appealed to NGA director Nick Mitzevich and NGA chair Ryan Stokes in April to take down the Namatjira portrait. The gallery, however, declined her request, stating, “The National Gallery welcomes the public having a dialogue on our collection and displays.”
While the exact reasons for her request remain undisclosed, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that associates of Hancock Prospecting had accused the gallery of “doing the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party.” Ironically, Rinehart has previously praised the Chinese government.
Jean Dubreil