Australia’s Richest Woman Demands Gallery Remove Portrait, Artist Says Others 'Don't Have to Like My Paintings'

The gallery described the exhibition as a “wry look at the politics of history, power and leadership from a contemporary Aboriginal perspective"

The wealthiest woman in Australia has reportedly demanded that an unflattering portrait of herself be removed from a gallery.

Gina Rinehart, 70, a mining magnate with an estimated fortune of $22 billion, has called for the removal of her portrait by Aboriginal Australian artist Vincent Namatjira, currently on display as part of an exhibit at the National Gallery of Australia, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Both Rinehart and associates at Hancock Prospecting, her company, have made numerous complaints, per the Financial Review.

In a statement obtained by Business Insider, the artist said "people don't have to like my paintings, but I hope they take the time to look and think, 'why has this Aboriginal bloke painted these powerful people."

"Some people might not like it, other people might find it funny, but I hope people look beneath the surface and see the serious side too," he added.

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Rinehart, who is listed as a "friend" of the gallery — which means she has donated between $4,999 to $9,999 — has been outspoken in her support of Donald Trump and has refused to condemn comments her late father made about Indigenous Australians, according to Business Insider and the Sydney Morning Herald.

In a statement on its website, the gallery described the exhibition as a “wry look at the politics of history, power and leadership from a contemporary Aboriginal perspective."

As for the actual portrait, gallery director Nick Mitzevich said the National Gallery of Australia "welcomes the public having a dialogue on our collection and displays," per The Independent.

PEOPLE contacted both the National Gallery of Australia and Hancock Prospecting for comment and did not immediately receive a response.

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The executive director for Australia’s National Association for the Visual Arts has also released a statement, speaking out on behalf of the artist.

“While Rinehart has the right to express her opinions about the work, she does not have the authority to pressure the gallery into withdrawing the painting simply because she dislikes it,” Penelope Benton said, according to 9News.

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The exhibition is set to run until July 21.

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