Document 4
From:
s 47F
To:
Nick Mitzevich
Subject:
Derogatory portraits of Gina Rinehart in your gallery
Date:
Wednesday, 10 April 2024 9:40:03 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dr Nick Mitzevich
CEO and Director
National Gallery of Australia
PO Box 1150
CANBERRA ACT 2601
xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
Dear Dr Mitzevich,
I hope you’re well.
I write as a concerned Australian and taxpayer who holds great respect for the
contributions of individuals to our country's success. I also wish to retain respect for the
National Gallery.
When I visited the National Gallery recently, I was extremely disappointed to see highly
derogatory portraits of Gina Rinehart hanging on your walls.
I cannot help but express my discomfort with the way your Gallery portrays Australia’s
most successful businessperson, who is a great contributor to our country.
As you know, Mrs Rinehart is a patriotic Australian and has made significant contributions
to our nation's economy and prosperity. She has invested billions in this country and has
created jobs and opportunities for tens of thousands of people.
You may not be aware, but she is also Australia’s largest private taxpayer paying over $2.4
billion in taxes in the last financial year alone: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/the-
companies-that-pay-the-most-tax-ranked-20231109-p5eioq#
Billions more if you count the previous years!
Given that the National Gallery of Australia is a public institution, funded mostly by
taxpayer dollars, it seems completely wrong and unfair to acknowledge individuals who
have made significant financial contributions to our country in this derogatory and
inaccurate way.

When was the last time your Gallery displayed a positive artwork depicting Mrs Rinehart or
her contributions and achievements?
I’m sure you agree that it is crucial to ensure that our public institutions, including the
National Gallery, uphold the principles of fairness, respect, and balance in their
representation of individuals who have contributed to our nation.
I respectfully urge you to take down these artworks.
As a taxpayer and concerned Australian, I look forward to your response and to seeing
positive changes made in the representation of great Australians in your Gallery.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
s 47F
s 47F

Document 5
From:
Nick Mitzevich
To:
Ryan Stokes
Cc:
s 47F
Subject:
Draft response for Gina Rinehart
Date:
Wednesday, 17 April 2024 4:40:00 PM
Attachments:
image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Dear Ryan,
Please find below a draft response for Gina Rinehart, perhaps we could discuss tomorrow
morning?
Kind regards,
Nick
********************************
DRAFT
Dear Mrs Rinehart,
It was very pleasing to hear that you have attended, and enjoyed, annual Gala events at
the National Gallery of Australia in the past. Our annual Gala fundraiser is essential to
assisting us deliver an ambitious program of exhibitions and activities.
Thank you for your correspondence relating to paintings in Vincent Namatjira’s
exhibition, Australia in Colour. The exhibition was curated by the Art Gallery of South
Australia and is currently on display at the National Gallery until 21 July 2024, having first
been launched at the Art Gallery of South Australia from 20 October 2023 until 21 January
2024.
I am not sure if you have seen the exhibition in person, however I wanted to give you
some further context. One of the portraits you referenced is part of a 21-panel painting, of
20 famous subjects with the Vincent’s own self-portrait, all painted with a similar rawness
reflecting the artist’s intention to convey that everyone in Australia is equal.
Of the work, the artist states:
“Australia in Colour is a portrait of my experiences and influences. I’ve painted people of
significance who have had an influence on me, whether directly or indirectly, whether for
good or for bad. It’s also a portrait of the way I see Australia. People who have shaped
this country for better or worse, in small or large ways. Some of the figures I’ve painted
are, of course, not Australian, but their mark on this country’s history is deeply felt. Others
are more personal and have been drawn into my world through their impact and influence
on me, like the Black American painter Henry Taylor and the rock ‘n’ roll renegades Chuck
Berry and Jimi Hendrix. Among the people I’ve painted in this series are role models,
heroes, originators, custodians, leaders – there’s serious wealth, power and status here
too. With the arrangement of the portraits and the use of first names and nicknames I’m

trying to say that in my eyes everyone is equal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the
queen of England or an old Gurindji man fighting for his land; whether you’re a mining
magnate, sportsperson, politician, musician, whatever – we are all equal here.” Vincent
Namatjira 2023.
The other is from a series called Australia in black and white, of 16 drawings of important
and famous Australians. Again, Namatjira has drawn people who have had an influence
on his life.
Vincent Namatjira is well-known Australian artist, represented in the national collection
and most Australian State collections. In 2020, he won the most prestigious art prize in
Australia, the Archibald Prize. In 2020 he was awarded an OAM in honour to his
contribution to Indigenous art. In 2015 one of his works was included in the Indigenous
Australia: Enduring Civilisation exhibition at the British Museum, and the British Museum
acquired a self-portrait of Vincent with Queen Elizabeth for their collection so his
exhibition is warranted.
s 47F
His style is
certainly his own and he approaches a broad range of subjects with equanimity and
humour.
The National Gallery’s remit is to be a reference point for art and art history. Since 1973,
when the National Gallery acquired Jackson Pollocks’ Blue poles, there has been a
dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the national collection, and/or on
display at the Gallery. We present works of art to the Australian public to inspire people
to explore, experience and learn about art. Sometimes these works may be unpopular or
challenging.
s 47F
that the joy and fulfilment the
national collection brings, not only to visitors to Canberra but to people from across
Australia and internationally where our exhibitions and works travel, is immeasurable.
s 47F
I want to assure you as a Commonwealth
agency, we uphold the principles of the Commonwealth of Australia and the ethics of the
public service.
As I mentioned earlier, the intention of the artist is to share portraits of people who have
influenced his life, s 47F
Vincent’s portraits are raw, depicting Australian culture that reflects his experiences.
Kind regards,

Nick
DR NICK MITZEVICH
Director
National Gallery of Australia
P +61 2 6240 6590
M s 22(1)(a)(ii)
W nga.gov.au
Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
GPO Box 1150, Kamberri/Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the
Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, and Country.

Document 16
From:
Nick Mitzevich
To:
s 47F
Subject:
RE: Derogatory portraits of Gina Rinehart in your gallery
Date:
Thursday, 11 April 2024 5:02:00 PM
Attachments:
Vincent Namatjira - 21 portraits sm.jpg
Australian in black and white.pdf
Dear s 47F
Thank you for your correspondence relating to paintings in Vincent Namatjira’s exhibition,
Australia in Colour, currently on display at the National Gallery of Australia. The exhibition
was launched at the Art Gallery of South Australia from 20 October 2023 until 21 January
2024, then commenced at the National Gallery from 2 March and continues until 21 July
2024.
One of the portraits you referenced of Mrs Rinehart is part of a 21-panel painting, of 20
famous subjects with the artist’s self-portrait (Namatjira), all painted with a similar
rawness reflecting the artist’s intention to convey that everyone in Australia is equal.
Of the work, the artist states:
  “Australia in Colour is a portrait of my experiences and influences. I’ve painted people of
significance who have had an influence on me, whether directly or indirectly, whether for good or for bad.
It’s also a portrait of the way I see Australia. People who     have shaped this country for better or
worse, in small or large ways. Some of the figures I’ve painted are, of course, not Australian, but their
mark on this country’s history is deeply felt. Others are more personal and have been drawn into my
world through      their impact and influence on me, like the Black American painter Henry Taylor
and the rock ‘n’ roll renegades Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix. Among the people I’ve painted in this series
are role models, heroes, originators, custodians, leaders – there’s      serious wealth, power and
status here too.  With the arrangement of the portraits and the use of first names and nicknames I’m
trying to say that in my eyes everyone is equal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the queen of England or
an old Gurindji man      fighting for his land; whether you’re a mining magnate,  sportsperson,
politician, musician, whatever – we are all equal here.” Vincent Namatjira 2023.
The other is from a series called Australia in black and white, of 16 drawings of important
and famous Australians. Again, Namatjira has drawn people who have had an influence on
his life.
The National Gallery’s remit is to be a reference point for art and art history. Since 1973,
when the National Gallery acquired Jackson Pollocks’ Blue poles, there has been a
dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the national collection, and/or on
display at the Gallery.  We present works of art to the Australian public to inspire people to
explore, experience and learn about art.
Thank you for contributing to the dialogue.
Kind regards,
Nick

From: s 47F

Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 9:40 AM
To: Nick Mitzevich <xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Derogatory portraits of Gina Rinehart in your gallery
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click links or
open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dr Nick Mitzevich
CEO and Director
National Gallery of Australia
PO Box 1150
CANBERRA ACT 2601
xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
Dear Dr Mitzevich,
I hope you’re well.
I write as a concerned Australian and taxpayer who holds great respect for the
contributions of individuals to our country's success. I also wish to retain respect for the
National Gallery.
When I visited the National Gallery recently, I was extremely disappointed to see highly
derogatory portraits of Gina Rinehart hanging on your walls.
I cannot help but express my discomfort with the way your Gallery portrays Australia’s
most successful businessperson, who is a great contributor to our country.
As you know, Mrs Rinehart is a patriotic Australian and has made significant contributions
to our nation's economy and prosperity. She has invested billions in this country and has
created jobs and opportunities for tens of thousands of people.
You may not be aware, but she is also Australia’s largest private taxpayer paying over $2.4
billion in taxes in the last financial year alone: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/the-
companies-that-pay-the-most-tax-ranked-20231109-p5eioq#
Billions more if you count the previous years!
Given that the National Gallery of Australia is a public institution, funded mostly by

taxpayer dollars, it seems completely wrong and unfair to acknowledge individuals who
have made significant financial contributions to our country in this derogatory and
inaccurate way.
When was the last time your Gallery displayed a positive artwork depicting Mrs Rinehart or
her contributions and achievements?
I’m sure you agree that it is crucial to ensure that our public institutions, including the
National Gallery, uphold the principles of fairness, respect, and balance in their
representation of individuals who have contributed to our nation.
I respectfully urge you to take down these artworks.
As a taxpayer and concerned Australian, I look forward to your response and to seeing
positive changes made in the representation of great Australians in your Gallery.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
s 47F
s 47F

Document 24
From:
s 47F
Sent:
Monday, 15 April 2024 2:31 PM
To:
Ryan Stokes; Nick Mitzevich
Subject:
Correspondence from Mrs Gina Rinehart AO
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Completed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Ryan and Dr Mitzevich,
Please see below correspondence from Mrs Rinehart.
Kind regards,
s 47F
___________________________________________________
Dear Ryan and Dr Mitzevich,
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, s 47F

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) s 47F

s 47F

In my view, and I believe that of many, many good Australians, our National Gallery should plan differently, and
s 47F

1

Sincerely,
Gina Rinehart

[https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hancockprospecting.com.au%2Fimages
%2Fhpplemailfooter63.jpg&data=05%7C02%7CNick.Mitzevich%40nga.gov.au%7Cd4bf84d562fd4847acf108dc5d04d
810%7C44255b2929a64599bad0ec6a2e07b591%7C0%7C0%7C638487522592597304%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbG
Zsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata
=5ynJOR6DaOADUZoCw%2FSwuzqSWHWyE2OWxAc08pXPLZ8%3D&reserved=0]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This email (including all attachments) may contain personal information that is intended solely for the named
addressee. It is confidential and may be subject to legal or other professional privilege.

Any confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email has been sent to you by mistake.

Any personal information in this email must be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Any unauthorised use of the contents is expressly prohibited.

If you have received this email in error, please let us know by reply email, delete it from your system and destroy any
copies. Before opening or using attachments, check them for viruses and defects.

It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by us for any loss
or damage arising in any way from its use. Our liability is limited to re-supplying the email.

This email and any attachments are also subject to copyright. No part of them may be reproduced, adapted or
transmitted without the written permission of the copyright owner.
2

s 47F
s 47F
s 22(1)(a)(ii)
s 47F
s 47F

I am not sure if you have seen the exhibition in person, however I wanted to give you some further context. One of the
portraits you referenced is part of a 21-panel painting, of 20 famous subjects with the Vincent’s own self-portrait, all
painted with a similar rawness reflecting the artist’s intention to convey that everyone in Australia is equal.

Of the work, the artist states:

“Australia in Colour is a portrait of my experiences and influences. I’ve painted people of significance who have had
an influence on me, whether directly or indirectly, whether for good or for bad. It’s also a portrait of the way I see
Australia. People who have shaped this country for better or worse, in small or large ways. Some of the figures I’ve
painted are, of course, not Australian, but their mark on this country’s history is deeply felt. Others are more personal
and have been drawn into my world through their impact and influence on me, like the Black American painter Henry
Taylor and the rock ‘n’ roll renegades Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix. Among the people I’ve painted in this series are
role models, heroes, originators, custodians, leaders – there’s serious wealth, power and status here too. With the
arrangement of the portraits and the use of first names and nicknames I’m trying to say that in my eyes everyone is
equal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the queen of England or an old Gurindji man fighting for his land; whether
you’re a mining magnate, sportsperson, politician, musician, whatever – we are all equal here.” Vincent Namatjira
2023.

The other is from a series called Australia in black and white, of 16 drawings of important and famous Australians.
Again, Namatjira has drawn people who have had an influence on his life.

Vincent Namatjira is a well-known Australian artist, represented in the national collection and most Australian State
collections. In 2020, he won the most prestigious art prize in Australia, the Archibald Prize, and that year he was
awarded an OAM in honour of his contribution to Indigenous visual arts. In 2015 one of his works was included in the
Indigenous Australia: Enduring Civilisation exhibition at the British Museum, and the British Museum acquired a self-
portrait of Vincent with Queen Elizabeth for their collection. It is clear his paintings are well-regarded, so this exhibition
is warranted.

s 47F
style is certainly his own and he
approaches a broad range of subjects with equanimity and humour.

The National Gallery’s remit is to be a reference point for art and art history. Since 1973, when the National Gallery
acquired Jackson Pollocks’ Blue poles, there has been a dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the
national collection, and/or on display at the Gallery. We present works of art to the Australian public to inspire people
to explore, experience and learn about art. Sometimes these works may be unpopular or challenging.

s 47F

that the joy and fulfilment the national collection brings, not only to visitors to Canberra but to
people from across Australia and internationally where our exhibitions and works travel, is immeasurable.

s 47F

I want to assure you
as a Commonwealth agency, we uphold the principles of the Commonwealth of Australia and the ethics of the public
service.

As I mentioned earlier, the intention of the artist is to share portraits of people who have influenced his life, s 47F

Vincent’s portraits are raw, depicting Australian culture that reflect his experiences.

When you are next in Canberra I hope you might visit the National Gallery so I can give you a tour of the Gallery's
collections and facilities.

Kind regards,

Nick

DR NICK MITZEVICH
Director
National Gallery of Australia

P +61 2 6240 6590
M s 22(1)(a)(ii)
2

W nga.gov.au

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia GPO Box 1150, Kamberri/Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the
Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, and Country.

-----Original Message-----
From: s 47F
s 47F

Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 2:31 PM
To: Ryan Stokes s 47F
s 47F
; Nick Mitzevich <xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Correspondence from Mrs Gina Rinehart AO

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognise the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Ryan and Dr Mitzevich,

Please see below correspondence from Mrs Rinehart.

Kind regards,
s 47F

___________________________________________________

Dear Ryan and Dr Mitzevich,

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,s 47F

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) s 47F

s 47F

In my view, and I believe that of many, many good Australians, our National Gallery should plan differently, and
s 47F

3

Document 26
From:
Nick Mitzevich
Sent:
Wednesday, 17 April 2024 5:30 PM
To:
Ryan Stokes
Subject:
FW: Correspondence from Mrs Gina Rinehart AO
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Flagged
FYI
-----Original Message-----
From: Nick Mitzevich
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 5:29 PM
To: s 47F

Subject: RE: Correspondence from Mrs Gina Rinehart AO
Dear Mrs Rinehart,
It was very pleasing to hear that you have attended, and enjoyed, annual Gala events at the National Gallery of
Australia in the past. Our annual Gala fundraiser is essential to assisting us deliver an ambitious program of
exhibitions and activities.
Thank you for your correspondence relating to paintings in Vincent Namatjira’s exhibition, Australia in Colour. The
exhibition was curated by the Art Gallery of South Australia and is currently on display at the National Gallery until 21
July 2024, having first been launched at the Art Gallery of South Australia from 20 October 2023 until 21 January
2024.
I am not sure if you have seen the exhibition in person, however I wanted to give you some further context. One of the
portraits you referenced is part of a 21-panel painting, of 20 famous subjects with the Vincent’s own self-portrait, all
painted with a similar rawness reflecting the artist’s intention to convey that everyone in Australia is equal.
Of the work, the artist states:
“Australia in Colour is a portrait of my experiences and influences. I’ve painted people of significance who have had
an influence on me, whether directly or indirectly, whether for good or for bad. It’s also a portrait of the way I see
Australia. People who have shaped this country for better or worse, in small or large ways. Some of the figures I’ve
painted are, of course, not Australian, but their mark on this country’s history is deeply felt. Others are more personal
and have been drawn into my world through their impact and influence on me, like the Black American painter Henry
Taylor and the rock ‘n’ roll renegades Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix. Among the people I’ve painted in this series are
role models, heroes, originators, custodians, leaders – there’s serious wealth, power and status here too. With the
arrangement of the portraits and the use of first names and nicknames I’m trying to say that in my eyes everyone is
equal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the queen of England or an old Gurindji man fighting for his land; whether
you’re a mining magnate, sportsperson, politician, musician, whatever – we are all equal here.” Vincent Namatjira
2023.
The other is from a series called Australia in black and white, of 16 drawings of important and famous Australians.
Again, Namatjira has drawn people who have had an influence on his life.
Vincent Namatjira is a well-known Australian artist, represented in the national collection and most Australian State
collections. In 2020, he won the most prestigious art prize in Australia, the Archibald Prize, and that year he was
awarded an OAM in honour of his contribution to Indigenous visual arts. In 2015 one of his works was included in the
Indigenous Australia: Enduring Civilisation exhibition at the British Museum, and the British Museum acquired a self-
portrait of Vincent with Queen Elizabeth for their collection. It is clear his paintings are well-regarded, so this exhibition
is warranted.
s 47F
His style is certainly his own and he
approaches a broad range of subjects with equanimity and humour.
1

The National Gallery’s remit is to be a reference point for art and art history. Since 1973, when the National Gallery
acquired Jackson Pollocks’ Blue poles, there has been a dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the
national collection, and/or on display at the Gallery. We present works of art to the Australian public to inspire people
to explore, experience and learn about art. Sometimes these works may be unpopular or challenging.

s 47F

that the joy and fulfilment the national collection brings, not only to visitors to Canberra but to
people from across Australia and internationally where our exhibitions and works travel, is immeasurable.

s 47F

I want to assure you
as a Commonwealth agency, we uphold the principles of the Commonwealth of Australia and the ethics of the public
service.

As I mentioned earlier, the intention of the artist is to share portraits of people who have influenced his life, s 47F
s 47F

Vincent’s portraits are raw, depicting Australian culture that reflect his experiences.

When you are next in Canberra I hope you might visit the National Gallery so I can give you a tour of the Gallery's
collections and facilities.

Kind regards,

Nick

DR NICK MITZEVICH
Director
National Gallery of Australia

P +61 2 6240 6590
M s 22(1)(a)(ii)
W nga.gov.au

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia GPO Box 1150, Kamberri/Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the
Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, and Country.

-----Original Message-----
From: s 47F

Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 2:31 PM
To: Ryan Stokes s 47F
; Nick Mitzevich <xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Correspondence from Mrs Gina Rinehart AO

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognise the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Ryan and Dr Mitzevich,

Please see below correspondence from Mrs Rinehart.

Kind regards,
s 47F

___________________________________________________

2

Dear Ryan and Dr Mitzevich,
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, s 47F

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) s 47F

s 47F
In my view, and I believe that of many, many good Australians, our National Gallery should plan differently, and
s 47F
.
Sincerely,
Gina Rinehart
[https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hancockprospecting.com.au%2Fimages
%2Fhpplemailfooter63.jpg&data=05%7C02%7CNick.Mitzevich%40nga.gov.au%7Cd4bf84d562fd4847acf108dc5d04d
810%7C44255b2929a64599bad0ec6a2e07b591%7C0%7C0%7C638487522592597304%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbG
Zsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata
=5ynJOR6DaOADUZoCw%2FSwuzqSWHWyE2OWxAc08pXPLZ8%3D&reserved=0]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This email (including all attachments) may contain personal information that is intended solely for the named
addressee. It is confidential and may be subject to legal or other professional privilege.
Any confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email has been sent to you by mistake.
Any personal information in this email must be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Any unauthorised use of the contents is expressly prohibited.
If you have received this email in error, please let us know by reply email, delete it from your system and destroy any
copies. Before opening or using attachments, check them for viruses and defects.
It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by us for any loss
or damage arising in any way from its use. Our liability is limited to re-supplying the email.
This email and any attachments are also subject to copyright. No part of them may be reproduced, adapted or
transmitted without the written permission of the copyright owner.
3

Document 28
From:
Nick Mitzevich
Sent:
Wednesday, 17 April 2024 5:29 PM
To:
s 47F
Subject:
RE: Correspondence from Mrs Gina Rinehart AO
Dear Mrs Rinehart,
It was very pleasing to hear that you have attended, and enjoyed, annual Gala events at the National Gallery of
Australia in the past. Our annual Gala fundraiser is essential to assisting us deliver an ambitious program of
exhibitions and activities.
Thank you for your correspondence relating to paintings in Vincent Namatjira’s exhibition, Australia in Colour. The
exhibition was curated by the Art Gallery of South Australia and is currently on display at the National Gallery until 21
July 2024, having first been launched at the Art Gallery of South Australia from 20 October 2023 until 21 January
2024.
I am not sure if you have seen the exhibition in person, however I wanted to give you some further context. One of the
portraits you referenced is part of a 21-panel painting, of 20 famous subjects with the Vincent’s own self-portrait, all
painted with a similar rawness reflecting the artist’s intention to convey that everyone in Australia is equal.
Of the work, the artist states:
“Australia in Colour is a portrait of my experiences and influences. I’ve painted people of significance who have had
an influence on me, whether directly or indirectly, whether for good or for bad. It’s also a portrait of the way I see
Australia. People who have shaped this country for better or worse, in small or large ways. Some of the figures I’ve
painted are, of course, not Australian, but their mark on this country’s history is deeply felt. Others are more personal
and have been drawn into my world through their impact and influence on me, like the Black American painter Henry
Taylor and the rock ‘n’ roll renegades Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix. Among the people I’ve painted in this series are
role models, heroes, originators, custodians, leaders – there’s serious wealth, power and status here too. With the
arrangement of the portraits and the use of first names and nicknames I’m trying to say that in my eyes everyone is
equal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the queen of England or an old Gurindji man fighting for his land; whether
you’re a mining magnate, sportsperson, politician, musician, whatever – we are all equal here.” Vincent Namatjira
2023.
The other is from a series called Australia in black and white, of 16 drawings of important and famous Australians.
Again, Namatjira has drawn people who have had an influence on his life.
Vincent Namatjira is a well-known Australian artist, represented in the national collection and most Australian State
collections. In 2020, he won the most prestigious art prize in Australia, the Archibald Prize, and that year he was
awarded an OAM in honour of his contribution to Indigenous visual arts. In 2015 one of his works was included in the
Indigenous Australia: Enduring Civilisation exhibition at the British Museum, and the British Museum acquired a self-
portrait of Vincent with Queen Elizabeth for their collection. It is clear his paintings are well-regarded, so this exhibition
is warranted.
s 47F
. His style is certainly his own and he
approaches a broad range of subjects with equanimity and humour.
The National Gallery’s remit is to be a reference point for art and art history. Since 1973, when the National Gallery
acquired Jackson Pollocks’ Blue poles, there has been a dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the
national collection, and/or on display at the Gallery. We present works of art to the Australian public to inspire people
to explore, experience and learn about art. Sometimes these works may be unpopular or challenging.
s 47F

that the joy and fulfilment the national collection brings, not only to visitors to Canberra but to
people from across Australia and internationally where our exhibitions and works travel, is immeasurable.
s 47F

I want to assure you
as a Commonwealth agency, we uphold the principles of the Commonwealth of Australia and the ethics of the public
service.
1

As I mentioned earlier, the intention of the artist is to share portraits of people who have influenced his life, s 47F
s 47F

Vincent’s portraits are raw, depicting Australian culture that reflect his experiences.

When you are next in Canberra I hope you might visit the National Gallery so I can give you a tour of the Gallery's
collections and facilities.

Kind regards,

Nick

DR NICK MITZEVICH
Director
National Gallery of Australia

P +61 2 6240 6590
M s 22(1)(a)(ii)
W nga.gov.au

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia GPO Box 1150, Kamberri/Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the
Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, and Country.

-----Original Message-----
From: s 47F

Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 2:31 PM
To: Ryan Stokes s 47F
Nick Mitzevich <xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Correspondence from Mrs Gina Rinehart AO

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognise the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Ryan and Dr Mitzevich,

Please see below correspondence from Mrs Rinehart.

Kind regards,
s 47F

___________________________________________________

Dear Ryan and Dr Mitzevich,

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, s 47F

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) s 47F

2

s 47F

s 47F
In my view, and I believe that of many, many good Australians, our National Gallery should plan differently, and
s 47F

Sincerely,
Gina Rinehart
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%2Fhpplemailfooter63.jpg&data=05%7C02%7CNick.Mitzevich%40nga.gov.au%7Cd4bf84d562fd4847acf108dc5d04d
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3

Document 36
From:
Ryan Stokes
To:
Nick Mitzevich
Cc:
s 47F
Subject:
Re: Vincent Namatjira exhibition - National Gallery of Australia
Date:
Wednesday, 15 May 2024 1:07:49 PM
Attachments:
image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Thanks Nick.
From: Nick Mitzevich <xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 12:53:49 PM
To: Ryan Stokes s 47F
s 47F
Cc: s 47F
s 47F
Subject: Vincent Namatjira exhibition - National Gallery of Australia
Dear Ryan,
Today we have received media questions from the Sydney Morning Herald and the AFR
(with a new FOI request from the AFR). And I have received a call from Minister
Burke’s office as they are fielding media questions.
The Gallery has issued the following statement:
“The National Gallery welcomes the public having a dialogue on our collection and
displays. Since 1973, when the National Gallery acquired Jackson Pollocks’ Blue poles,
there has been a dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the national
collection, and/or on display at the Gallery. We present works of art to the Australian
public to inspire people to explore, experience and learn about art. “
I will keep you updated on any further developments.
Kind regards,
Nick
DR NICK MITZEVICH
Director
National Gallery of Australia
P +61 2 6240 6590
M s 22(1)(a)(ii)
W nga.gov.au
Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
GPO Box 1150, Kamberri/Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Document Outline

Attachment A - RS (003).pdf
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