Majella O’Donnell has apologised if she offended anybody after being accused of cultural appropriation in a painting she produced.
Majella, the wife of Daniel O’Donnell, shared her stunning artwork online.
The work features golden designs of circles and dots and has caught the imagination of many art fans
She tweeted to broadcaster John Creedon: ‘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!’
Ms O’Donnell received dozens of compliments on her latest painting.
However, she was forced to respond and apologise after being accused 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, Ms O’Donnell said the designs in her painting were done from her imagination.
She said: ‘I didn’t realise that by doodling with dots that I 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.’
She also expressed her respect for all indigenous peoples.
She added ‘Apologies if I offended anyone.
‘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.’
