An Australian artist has responded to criticism by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart who demanded his painting of her be removed from display at the National Gallery of Australia. Her portrait is among others, including Queen Elizabeth II, Adam Goodes and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, in an exhibition by a renowned artist. One of King Charles is depicted in the Australian desert in full regalia with seemingly no neck, in a painting by Namatjira. Gina Rinehart has been criticized by 5Vincent Namatjira.
I paint as I see it, but people don't have to like my work, but I hope they take the time to look and think, "Why has this Aboriginal bloke painted these powerful people?" I paint people who are wealthy, powerful, or significant because they have had an influence on this country and on me personally. I hope people see the serious side of it, even if some may not like it.
Rinehart demanded that the painting of her be removed from display at the National Gallery of Australia. Ms. Rinehart is listed as a friend of the gallery as she has donated up to $7,000.
The painting is currently on display at the NGA and will remain there until July 21. There has been a discussion about the artistic merits of works in the national collection and on display at the gallery since the National Gallery acquired Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles in 1973. Some people might not like it, but I hope people look beneath the surface and see the serious side as well.
The works of art we present to the Australian public inspire people to explore, experience and learn about art.
Ms. Rinehart's firm ripped up a sponsorship deal with the sport. The portrait of Australia's richest woman is in the National Gallery of Australia.
Lang Hancock made comments in 1984 about Indigenous Australians being sterilised. The firm dropped its sponsorship deal because it didn't want to add to the disunity in the team. Ms. Rinehart's Roy Hill company will stop sponsoring the teams.