Australian artist Jane Allan faces scrutiny over two separate accusations of imitating the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Nicholas Harding. While the National Portrait Gallery noted “clear influence” from Basquiat in one prize-winning piece, the Doyles art award committee has formally labeled another of Allan’s works an “imitation” of a piece by the late Nicholas Harding.
Why is Jane Allan facing plagiarism allegations?
The Doyles art award committee recently issued a statement claiming Allan’s winning painting, Seaside Explorers, appears to be an “imitation” of Nicholas Harding’s Two Estuary Figures. The committee noted that the two impasto-style works—characterized by thick layers of paint—share similar brush patterns and figure poses.
In a Facebook post on Friday, the committee stated they “never did we expect a threat from within our own art community.” They expressed frustration over how the similarity went unnoticed for over a year. Gold Coast councillor Glenn Tozer told the ABC that the prize committee has been in contact with Allan and that lawyers are currently discussing the possible recovery of the $20,000 prize money.
While the subject matter of the two paintings is similar, the scale differs significantly. Nicholas Harding’s Two Estuary Figures measures 20 x 25cm, whereas Jane Allan’s Seaside Explorers is much larger at 120 x 90cm.
How does the Basquiat influence compare to the Harding imitation?
The allegations against Allan involve two distinct levels of artistic overlap: one described as “influence” by a gallery and the other as “imitation” by a prize committee.
| Allegation Type | Source of Claim | Primary Similarity |
|---|---|---|
| “Clear Influence” | National Portrait Gallery | White-outlined features and spindly arms similar to Basquiat’s Untitled (Two Heads on Gold). |
| “Imitation” | Doyles Art Award Committee | Impasto texture and figure posing similar to Harding’s Two Estuary Figures. |
According to the National Portrait Gallery, Allan’s work Weight of the Mind’s Periapt was a finalist in the 2022 Darling portrait prize. The gallery’s art handlers noted the Basquiat influence at the time the prize was awarded. Allan won the Art Handler’s award, worth $2,000, for that piece.
What did the National Portrait Gallery say about the Basquiat connection?
A spokesperson for the National Portrait Gallery acknowledged that the similarities to Basquiat’s 1982 work, Untitled (Two Heads on Gold), were noted by staff. Basquiat’s original piece features two robot-like figures with distinctive nose shapes and spindly arms. Allan’s work depicts a similar figure with white outlining of features.
The spokesperson stated that while the gallery reviews prize terms regularly, they require all artists to declare that they are submitting original artwork. The Guardian reported that they were unable to reach Allan for comment regarding these observations.
What happens next for the Doyles art award?
The Doyles committee is currently investigating ways to make its judging process more robust. The committee, which is entirely voluntary, stated it is “taking this seriously” following the community’s concerns. The controversy follows a year of silence after Allan won the $20,000 award in the landscape painting category.
The late Nicholas Harding, whose work was allegedly imitated, was a prominent figure in the Australian art scene. He was a nine-time Wynne prize finalist and an Archibald prize winner before his death in 2022.
When acquiring prize-winning works, verifying the provenance and the artist’s declaration of originality is a standard step in due diligence to ensure the work’s long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jane Allan win any prizes?
Yes. She won the $2,000 Art Handler’s award at the 2022 Darling portrait prize and a $20,000 Doyles art award for her work Seaside Explorers.
What is the difference between influence and imitation in this context?
The National Portrait Gallery used the term “influence” regarding the Basquiat piece, while the Doyles committee used “imitation” regarding the Harding piece.
Is the prize money being recovered?
According to the ABC, lawyers are currently discussing the possible recovery of the prize money following the Doyles committee’s allegations.
What do you think about the line between artistic influence and imitation? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the art world.
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