'Problem solved': Two British Teens Vandalize Famous Van Gogh in Protest of 'Climate Change'
Daniel Bonfiglio
Published
10/14/2022
in
wtf
Two women have been arrested in London's Trafalgar Square gallery following a stunt in which they threw Tomato soup on Van Gogh's 'Sunflower,' and glued themselves to the wall. The women were protestors for the 'Just Stop Oil' climate activism group, which has been responsible for multiple recent protests. 'Sunflower' is valued at 72.5 million pounds, and it is unclear what consequences these protestors will face.
The act is being strongly criticized, including by people in agreement with the protestor's cause, as Van Gogh is quite unrelated to the 'big oil' groups the activists are fighting against. An artist who struggled both financially and with mental health issues throughout his life before committing suicide hardly seems like the appropriate target for this protest. Others argue however that strong visible acts like these are the kind of activism needed for comprehensive change. Realistically however, it is hard to see that this act will do anything but turn the public opinion against these vandalists.
The act is being strongly criticized, including by people in agreement with the protestor's cause, as Van Gogh is quite unrelated to the 'big oil' groups the activists are fighting against. An artist who struggled both financially and with mental health issues throughout his life before committing suicide hardly seems like the appropriate target for this protest. Others argue however that strong visible acts like these are the kind of activism needed for comprehensive change. Realistically however, it is hard to see that this act will do anything but turn the public opinion against these vandalists.
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NOW - Climate activists defile Van Gogh's Sunflowers at the National Gallery and glued themselves to the wall.pic.twitter.com/XgRDqyEqUO
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 14, 2022
One of the demonstrators told The Guardian: ‘What is worth more, art or life?'
— Metro (@MetroUK) October 14, 2022
️ ‘Is it worth more than food, worth more than justice?' pic.twitter.com/DI6JUrrQKZ
“What is worth more, art or life? … are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?”@JustStop_Oil’s activists explain their action pic.twitter.com/LjvpQrhiDp
— Damien Gayle (@damiengayle) October 14, 2022
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