How far can protest against a threat perceived as existential go? Climate activists in Great Britain are testing this limit and making works of art the target of their protest.
Allegations have been made against two climate activists after tomato soup was thrown at a painting by Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. They are accused of criminal damage after they threw at the famous painting ‘Sunflowers’ at the National Gallery in London on Friday.
The women, aged 20 and 21, pleaded not guilty to damaging the picture’s frame on Saturday, the PA news agency reported. Defense attorney Katie McFadden said prosecutors must prove damage was caused.
The women were released on bail, the PA said, but are not allowed to enter galleries or museums, and are not allowed to carry paint or glue in public places. Her trial before a London court was therefore scheduled for December 13th.
The two activists threw canned tomato soup at the famous painting from 1888 on Friday. Then they knelt in front of the artwork and taped their hands to the wall. According to the National Gallery, the work itself was undamaged. Only the frame was slightly damaged. The painting, which has an estimated value of around 84 million euros, was protected by a pane of glass. (dpa)