On a stark yellow wall inside a Canberra art gallery, hang 21 colourful paintings – a satirical series depicting some of the most influential people who have shaped Australia.

There’s a wonky looking King Charles, a canvas capturing Cathy Freeman’s famous Sydney 2000 Olympics victory, an image of former prime minister Scott Morrison mid-lecture – even the late Queen Elizabeth II appears.

But one portrait – three from the left in the second row – has become the centre of a peculiar spat. It has embroiled the nation’s richest woman, one of its most celebrated artists and a swimming great – and kicked off a national debate about art and censorship.

Upset at how she has been depicted, mining heiress and billionaire Gina Rinehart approached the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) to ask the portrait of her – and another by the same artist – be removed from public display, according to local media.

But renowned Aboriginal artist Vincent Namatjira is famous for a caricature style which challenges power structures, and he says his Australia in Colour series is no different.

"We are all equal in Australia... No matter what heritage you are, or where you come from... We are all Australian."

Ms Rinehart, 70, is a controversial figure. She is known for being one of the biggest private investors in Australian sport and a prolific philanthropist, but also for public legal battles with her family and for her outspoken........

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