A Melbourne artist who was asked to paint Denis Napthine’s portrait says the Victorian Premier and his wife rejected the artwork as it was not a flattering likeness and the artist had noticeably enlarged his hands.
The painting has since been appropriated as part of a meme circulated by a group opposing the Napthine government’s proposed changes to the Summary Offences Act, which they fear could lead to a crackdown on public protests.
Harley Manifold, whose work comprises largely conceptual oil paintings of urban landscapes, received permission from Dr Napthine in 2012 to create a life-size portrait.
Publication: The Age
Date: 14/02/2014
Type: Online
Link: http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au