Australia’s wealthiest individual, Gina Rinehart, has called for the National Gallery of Australia to remove a portrait of her from its display. Rinehart, 70, holds the position of Executive Chairwoman at Hancock Prospecting, a prominent mineral exploration and extraction company, with an estimated net worth of $30.6 billion.
The portrait, crafted by award-winning Aboriginal artist Vincent Namatjira, is part of his current exhibition at the National Gallery, featuring notable figures such as the late Queen Elizabeth II, Jimi Hendrix, and football player Adam Goode. However, Rinehart finds herself dissatisfied with Namatjira’s portrayal, which distorts her features in his distinctive style and includes what she perceives as an unflattering depiction of her chin.
Reports indicate that Rinehart and her associates have actively campaigned for the removal of the portrait, even reaching out to the gallery with strongly worded messages. Despite these efforts, the National Gallery has stood firm, with director Nick Mitzevich emphasizing the institution’s commitment to facilitating public dialogue and exploration of art.
Mitzevich highlighted the gallery’s history of fostering discourse on artistic merit, citing the controversial acquisition of Jackson Pollock’s “Blue Poles” in 1973 as an example. He reaffirmed the gallery’s mission to inspire individuals to engage with and learn from art.
While Rinehart’s attempt to suppress the portrait has garnered attention, it has also sparked commentary on social media, with some noting the unintended consequence of drawing more focus to the artwork.
