Award-Winning Artist Accused of Copying

An artist in New South Wales is in hot water after being accused of copying a painting by late artist Nicholas Harding — a claim that’s sent shockwaves through the art world. Jane Allan, who won a $20,000 prize last year for her piece Seaside Explorers, now faces backlash for allegedly lifting key elements from Harding’s 2011 work, including figures and clothing — with the “childhood memory” story about her brother being a red herring. The Doyles Art Award committee is now investigating how this went unnoticed, calling it a betrayal of their values. The controversy isn’t over — Allan is also accused of copying Jean-Michel Basquiat’s style in her 2022 Darling Portrait Prize winner, Weight of the Mind’s Periapt, though the gallery had noted the influence at the time. Harding’s family called the situation “disappointing,” urging respect for intellectual property. Allan has remained silent. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/916801f9ea7a4698