Documents released under freedom-of-information laws reveal Australia’s richest person appealed directly to the National Gallery’s chair Ryan Stokes.

Paywalled source.

The emails from her supporters described Rinehart as “One of Australia’s most prestigious people” and “our most powerful and successful woman” as they called for the portraits be removed for their “disrespectful” and “extremely upsetting” depictions of the miner.

One suggested the “insult” be met with a formal written apology from the NGA expressing regret for the “disrespectful portrayal”. Another described the works as “tawdry commercialism at best, cheap shots, resonating from a platform of ignorance”.

“In my opinion, this artwork should be removed and replaced with a portrait celebrating her and all she has done and continues to do for Australia,” one supporter said.

LOL

      • maniacalmanicmaniaOP
        9·
        2 months ago

        I think that the colour painting is now so iconic that if it already doesn’t own it then the national gallery should purchase it.

        It would only be fair and reasonable to pay the amount the gallery paid for Blue Poles in 1973, adjusted for inflation of course, so about $15,378,000.

        If the gallery doesn’t own the painting then I might have to create a petition.

  • Owljfien@lemm.ee
    15·
    2 months ago

    I hold not a single modicum of respect for anyone who would describe themselves as “one of her supporters”

  • NaevaTheRat [she/her]@vegantheoryclub.orgEnglish
    12·
    2 months ago

    I think his portraits are legit amazing. Seeing powerful people portrayed in a very folky and crude but accurate way is quite thought provoking, a far cry from the usual imperious and dignified portraits.

    It’s a bit ridiculous to throw such a tantrum over something that is basically just an unflattering image. Bog standard for photos used in articles in the news etc when the editor has a slant. It really highlights just how fragile her self concept is, how much she needs power over others. It’s also been fascinating to see people siding with her outside of the owner class.

    • zero_gravitasEnglish
      6·
      2 months ago

      It’s also been fascinating to see people siding with her outside of the owner class.

      Only the people she owns, right?

  • Geobloke@lemm.ee
    4·
    2 months ago

    As a miner, she isn’t a miner. Remember she said she’d replace us with slaves if she could