Gina Rinehart demands removal of her portrait from National Gallery of Australia exhibition

Gina Rinehart, Australia's wealthiest individual, has called for the National Gallery of Australia to take down her portrait by Vincent Namatjira. The painting is part of Namatjira's solo show at the institution. Rinehart objects to what she deems an 'unflattering' depiction. The gallery has refused the request, citing a tradition of public debate over artistic merit since its 1973 acquisition of Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles. Namatjira made history in 2020 as the first Indigenous winner of the Archibald Prize for his portrait of Indigenous footballer Adam Goodes. The National Gallery asserts its role in presenting art to inspire exploration and learning among Australians.