Two Van Gogh paintings at the National Gallery in London were vandalized by climate activists from Just Stop Oil. The paintings, both titled “Sunflowers,” were targeted with tomato soup.
The incident occurred just hours after two other Just Stop Oil activists, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, were sentenced to prison for a similar act of protest. Plummer and Holland had previously thrown tomato soup at a different Van Gogh painting at the National Gallery.
The National Gallery has removed the damaged paintings from display for conservation assessment. While there is no permanent damage, the museum aims to reopen the exhibition as soon as possible.
The activists who carried out the latest attack were motivated by their concern about climate change and the government’s inaction on the issue. They believe that drastic measures are necessary to raise awareness and demand action from world leaders.
Just Stop Oil has been involved in numerous protests in recent months, with activists using various tactics to disrupt public events and draw attention to their cause. The group has faced criticism for their methods, but they maintain that their actions are justified by the urgency of the climate crisis.
The vandalism of the Van Gogh paintings has sparked debate about the role of art in activism and the appropriate means of protest. Some argue that the activists’ actions were justified as a form of artistic expression, while others criticize them for damaging valuable works of art.
The incident highlights the growing tension between environmental activists and cultural institutions. As the climate crisis continues to escalate, it is likely that we will see more protests and acts of civil disobedience in the coming years.
