Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart has asked the National Gallery of Australia to take down a painting of her by an award-winning indigenous artist - because she thinks it's unflattering.
The portrait of Australia's wealthiest woman was painted by First Nations artist Vincent Namatjira, whose art often depicts well-known figures as satirical cartoon-like caricatures.
Namatjira won the prestigious Archibald Prize for top paintings in 2020.
The portrait of Rinehart is part of Namatjira's exhibition called 'Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour', now on display at the Canberra gallery.
It hangs next to other famous people such as former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, according to News.com.au.
Rinehart went to National Gallery director Nick Mitzevich and chair Ryan Stokes in April to ask for its removal, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The gallery calls the exhibition a "wry look at the politics of history, power and leadership from a contemporary Aboriginal perspective".
Since it was put on display, the National Gallery has received a dozen complaints about the painting - with one claiming the gallery was “doing the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party", according to SMH.
But the National Gallery won't budge, saying the portrait will remain up until July 21 and they won't be swayed by individuals' opinions.
In a statement, the gallery said there has been "dynamic discussion" on the artistic merits of artworks in its collections for decades.
"The National Gallery welcomes the public having a dialogue on our collection and displays," it said.
"We present works of art to the Australian public to inspire people to explore, experience and learn about art."
Rinehart is executive chair of Hancock Prospecting and made her wealth through the mining industry. The National Gallery's website says she's a "friend" of the institution because she'd donated up to $9999.
But it's not the first time she's faced controversy.
In 2022, her firm Hancock Prospecting scrapped a sponsorship deal with Netball Australia, after indigenous player Donnell Wallam was reportedly uncomfortable wearing the company's sponsorship logo.
And last month, she began sponsoring USA Swimming to the tune of $10 million.
