Bruce Johnson-McLean

In this engaging discussion, Bruce Johnson-McLean, a curator of First Nations art at the National Gallery of Australia, delves into the viral portrait of Gina Rinehart. He explores how the artwork reflects power dynamics and colonial history, while offering insights into the gallery's decision to retain it despite backlash. The conversation also touches on Rinehart's influence in sports sponsorship and its implications on athlete advocacy. Bruce highlights the importance of art in challenging wealth and power, and connects it to the legacy of Vincent Namajira.

Bruce Johnson-McLean, a Weiribirugubba man and head curator of First Nations art at the National Gallery of Australia, teams up with Kelvin Kickett, descendant of a prominent Australian family, for a deep dive into the viral portrait of Gina Rinehart. They discuss the intersection of wealth and power in art and sports, the ethics of sponsorship, and the colonial history linked to Rinehart and her family. Personal accounts and historical reflections reveal the complex legacy that shapes contemporary Australia, prompting crucial conversations about representation and reconciliation.

In this insightful discussion, Bruce Johnson-McLean, the Wirri Birgubba head curator of First Nations art, shares his perspective on the controversial portrait of Gina Rinehart. Kelvin Kickett, who claims ancestral ties to Lang Hancock, adds depth with his reflections on identity and heritage. John Singleton, a close friend of Hancock, provides context on the family's complex legacy. They explore the intersection of wealth, power, and art, examining how sponsorship affects athletes' lives and the broader implications for Indigenous rights in Australia.