An Australian artist responded to the criticism leveled by Gina Rinehart after she reportedly asked that her painting be taken away from the National Gallery of Art in Canberra.
She noted that it was not in keeping with the gallery’s standards.
The portrait of the mining magnate is featured alongside those of prominent individuals such as Queen Elizabeth II and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Vincent Namantjira is an acclaimed Indigenous artist.
Known for his work, Vincent Namantjira creates caricatures of people in exaggerated and cartoonish forms.
For instance, one of his paintings shows King Charles wearing full regalia while standing in the Australian desert. He said that he doesn’t like to make people feel like they have to like his work, but he hopes that they will take the time to look at it and question why he has painted these prominent individuals.
He said that his subjects are significant, powerful, or wealthy individuals who have had an impact on the country. In addition, he paints them both directly and indirectly, depending on the situation.
He hopes that people will see the serious side of his subjects and not just find his painting funny. According to reports, a dozen people have complained about his depiction of Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman. Some of the individuals who criticized the painting included the athletes who she sponsors.
One critic reportedly accused the gallery of being involved in the Communist Party’s bidding by displaying the painting of Rinehart. On its website, the NGA noted that Rinehart is a friend of the institution and that she has contributed up to almost $1,000. The controversial painting will remain on display until July 21 as the institution has refused to take it down.
This painting was displayed in March as part of an exhibition celebrating the work of Vincent Namantjira. The exhibition featured 21 of his paintings.