The National Association for the Visual Arts has come out in defence of  the artistic freedom of artist Vincent Namatjira after demands by billionaire Gina Rinehart for the withdrawal of his work from an exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.

“Freedom of expression is a universal human right highly valued by artists,” said NAVA executive director Penelope Benton said. “NAVA asserts that artists, as historians, commentators, and critics of society, should be free to create art about any subject and by any means, provided it is within the law.”

Namatjira’s series of caricatures, including one featuring a caricature of Gina Rinehart, the executive chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting forms part of the exhibition and is part of his critique of Australia’s colonial history.

The installation of 21 satirical portrait paintings on black backgrounds across three rows features not just Rinehart but well-known Australian musicians and sportspeople, royalty, politicians and Namatjira’s own family.

“While Rinehart has the right to express her opinions about Namatjira’s work, NAVA emphasises that exerting pressure on the gallery for removal of the painting simply because she dislikes it, sets a dangerous precedent for censorship and the stifling of creative expression,” Benton said.

Pundits are predicting that a dramatic rise in visitor numbers will result from this controversy.

Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour, National Gallery of Australia until July 21.