Majella O’Donnell has apologised for offence caused by her artwork.
MAJELLA O’Donnell has apologised for any offence caused after being accused of cultural misappropriation in a painting she created.
The wife of country music star, Daniel O’Donnell, Majella shared her artwork which features golden designs or circles and dots, on social media.
In a tweet to broadcaster John Creedon, Majella said: “Sitting in my cabin in the garden painting, night after night listening to all the good tunes you play.
“This is my final creation. Hope you like it!”
While Majella received dozens of compliments on her painting, she was also compelled to respond to an accusation of devaluing the art of Aboriginal Australians.
A user with the Twitter name ‘The Irish Feminist’ wrote: “Majella, this is clearly Aboriginal artwork and cultural appropriation.
“The symbols and motifs you’re using are specific to indigenous peoples and you’re not permitted to use them.
“In doing so, you’ve devalued and disrespected the proper cultural meanings.”
Responding, Majella said the designs in her painting were done from her imagination. She said that she did not realise she was being disrespectful to anyone.
“You could say ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness’. But really my dots are just dots that my mind randomly chose.”
Majella also expressed her heartfelt respect for indigenous peoples.
“Apologies if I offended anyone,” the 63-year-old said.
“Dot art is very therapeutic and meditative. It helps me mentally when things become overwhelming.
“It’s my medicine and certainly not meant to be disrespectful. I have huge respect for all indigenous people.”
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