By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Gina Rinehart reached out to the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) a month before public controversy erupted over a portrait of her displayed in the gallery, expressing concern that a "concerned friend" had brought the painting to her attention.
The communication, revealed through documents obtained under freedom of information laws, was sent on Rinehart's behalf to Nick Mitzevich, the NGA’s director, and Ryan Stokes, the gallery’s chair, on 15 April.
In the following weeks, Rinehart's requests for the NGA to remove her portrait became public, sparking global headlines. The portrait, created by Archibald Prize winning artist Vincent Namatjira, was part of his first major survey exhibition, Australia in Colour, at the Canberra gallery. The series featured influential Australians, including Queen Elizabeth II, footballer Adam Goodes, and Ned Kelly, alongside a self portrait of Namatjira. Rinehart's portrait, which some viewed as unflattering, was among the works displayed.
Rinehart’s email to Mitzevich and Stokes, heavily redacted in parts, referenced paintings that a concerned friend had brought to her attention. The message suggested the gallery should "plan differently," though the full context of this recommendation was obscured by redactions.
"I’ve had the pleasure of attending annual functions for the National Art Gallery several times, done fantastically, very enjoyable, even uplifting. To have a National Art Gallery that presents the best our country has to offer, makes us proud of our nation and inspires people (including with outstanding artworks from other countries) is, in my view, a very worthy purpose [the remainder of the sentence is redacted].
To be direct, the paintings a concerned friend sent me which I wrote to Ryan about (and he’s suggested I include writing to you) [a large section is then redacted]. In my view, and I believe that of many, many good Australians, our National Gallery should plan differently, and [the remainder is redacted]."
Mitzevich responded two days later, expressing gratitude for Rinehart’s correspondence. He acknowledged the painting referenced by Rinehart, explaining that it was part of a 21 panel work that featured 20 notable figures, along with Namatjira’s self portrait. Mitzevich emphasized the artist's unique style, noting that it reflects "a rawness" and conveys a message of equality in Australia.
Mitzevich further explained that the NGA's mission is to present art that inspires the public to explore and learn, acknowledging that some works may be "unpopular or challenging." He invited Rinehart to visit the gallery for a tour of the collections during her next visit to Canberra.
While the exhibition concluded on 21 July, it gained international attention in mid May after reports surfaced that Rinehart had lobbied the NGA to remove her portrait.
