A portrait of Helen Kelly, the workers advocate and medicinal cannabis reformer, will hang in the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. Kudos to the Wellington City Council and Mayor Celia Wade Brown for recognising one of the capital city’s finest. If you find yourself in Welly, pop down to Shed 11 and have a look.
Why aren’t there more paintings of working class Kiwis?
Helen had a great future as worker for the people and as a glorious example of humanity at its best.
+1 Ianmac
@ ianmac …
Helen would have made a great PM. A woman who lived by her strong social justice values. An asset to NZ in just about every respect.
Yes well said ianmac.
I emailed Helen 6 months ago to thank her for her services ,commitment to kiwi workers and bringing the issue of safety in the workplace and her guts and determination to advocate on behalf of those whose lives are in danger, and a better deal for working people and that UNION like her means strength and that after 20 years i had re joined a union and in her reply she was delighted i had signed up.
i am sure that if a labour government was in place now that she would be recognised
for her achievements and as one of our national treasures.
We are all proud of you Helen and you have my respect.
A great New Zealander. Don’t know how she keeps her cool in the face of obstacles in both professional and private life.
+1 Muttonbird
If anyone deserves honours it’s Helen Kelly. Beautiful portrait of an amazing human being.
yes
“Why aren’t there more paintings of working class Kiwis?”
There will be plenty of portraits of working class Kiwis in private collections. They will be the family and friends of professional and amateur artists.
A portrait of Helen is a portrait of a champion or hero of the working class. I/we can only hope that artists who know our current heroes like Helen Kelly, Sue Bradford, Nicky Hagar etc. aren’t wasting their time; (artists who don’t know our working class heroes could always do works with the use of photographs perhaps).
Be nice if your question could inspire some activity TRP. We need more paintings and we need more heroes!
p.s. Love you Helen!!
Beauty is defined by action.
Best wishes always.
A hero we can all be proud of. Thank you for your tremendous work Helen – you are truly inspirational.
Like how the artist captured Helen’s sense of humour. Better than the Mona Lisa.
Whilst I dont agree with Helen Kelly on, well, almost anything. I do have respect for her tireless efforts, and have great sympathy for the terrible card life has dealt her with her illness.
I think its a fantastic portrait, and a honour she has well earned.
Although saying that its better than the Mona Lisa is pushing it a bit too far.
Te Reo Putake:
“Why aren’t there more paintings of working class Kiwis?”
John Campbell tried showing working class Kiwis on TV3. He was too upsetting for the Remuera crowd.
Nice one.
This painting of hero of working people and i particular for the underprivileged should be hung in the national gallery , It should also be shown in all in all the public art galleries throughout Aotearoa . Best wishes Helen ..
Wonderful painting of an outstanding New Zealander. I’m delighted that she is being so recognised.
A fine wonan who encapsulates the highest human qualities. Courage, compassion and justice.