Why Do Climate Activists Target Paintings in London?

After throwing soup at Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers painting at the National Gallery, one of the climate activists delivered a speech in which she asked the museum visitors whether they "are more concerned about the protection of a painting, or the protection of our planet and people?"

Three women climate activists appeared in a London court on Saturday on charges of causing criminal damages after protests, including throwing soup at Vincent van Gogh's Sunflower painting at the National Gallery.

Two women, aged 20 and 21, were charged with throwing soup on a painting, while a third was charged with spraying paint on a revolving sign at the Metropolitan Police headquarters in central London. The three women pleaded not guilty to criminal wrongdoing at Westminster Magistrates Court in two short hearings on October 15.

 

Attacking Museums

The New York Times stated: "Climate protesters across Europe have for months been gluing themselves to the frames of famous paintings in a series of attention-grabbing stunts."

It pointed out: "In Britain, activists have attached themselves to about half-a-dozen masterpieces, including John Constable's The Hay Wain. In Germany, protesters have stuck themselves to works, including Rubens's Massacre of the Innocents, which hangs in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. In Italy, works in the Uffizi, in Florence, and at the Vatican Museums have been targeted."

In London, demonstrators from climate change protest organizations Just Stop Oil and Extension Rebellion—which are calling on the UK government to halt new oil and gas projects—staged a series of protests in London on Friday.

Just Stop Oil said the activists threw two cans of tomato soup at Van Gogh's oil painting, one of the Dutch artist's most famous works. The two protesters also attached themselves to the gallery wall.

Prosecutors said the oil painting, which was covered with a protective glass case, was not damaged by the two activists, but the frame was damaged.

The painting, one of several copies of this Van Gogh artwork painted in the late 1880s, was cleaned and returned to its place in the National Gallery on Friday afternoon.

District Judge Tan Ikram released the women on bail on the condition that they did not have paint or adhesives with them in a public place.

Police said they made 28 arrests related to October 14's protests, and 25 people have been released on bail pending investigation.

 

Attention and Criticism

The Climate protesters threw tomato soup over Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflower" painting at the National Gallery in London as a way to protest against fossil fuel extraction.

In a statement, the Just Stop Oil group explained that they have been targeting art, as it is "part of our collective culture," adding, "We love our history and culture too much to just allow it all to be destroyed."

Deutsche Welle quoted the Group saying: "Supporters of Just Stop Oil will continue to peacefully disrupt whatever it takes until the government agrees to halt all new fossil fuel projects."

The organization attracted both interest and criticism for targeting artworks in museums. In July, activists attached themselves to the frame of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper at the Royal Academy of Art in London and John Constable's Straw Cart in the National Gallery.

Activists have also closed bridges and intersections across London during the two weeks of protests.

The wave of protests comes as the British government opens a new licensing round for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists who say the move undermines the country's commitment to combating climate change.

The Guardian stressed that the protest sparked mixed reactions and plenty of anger. It quoted Sophie Wright, 43, who initially condemned the action but changed her mind when she learned the painting was not damaged.

"I support the cause, and by the looks of it, they are considered protests, with a purpose of raising awareness and shocking [people]," she said. "So long as they don't hurt people or put people in danger, then I support them."

 

Rising Controversy

From another side, the protesters' action  was harshly criticized by opponents who described the acts as vandalism rather than activism. Polina Lee, a critic of targeting museums by climate activists commented on the incident by saying that art is NOT an enemy of the environment! Destroying art, saying no to it is NOT going to solve poverty or save the planet. “I lived in poverty and art was my salvation, it gave me hope.” she insisted.

Many believe that the growing trend of teens ruining artworks to prove a point that has nothing to do with art should be stopped.

In an interview with Al-Estiklal, Nadia Bouchaalah, representative of the social and cultural association ASCA, said: "Targeting museums and art to draw attention to the climate change danger, in my opinion, will alienate the public from the issue. It will be counterproductive. Art does not destroy the environment and is not an enemy of the environment in any way."

She added: "Many paintings convey messages about the beauty of this universe and the importance of preserving the beauty that surrounds Us. I understand that the global warming problem requires greater awareness and pressure to force countries to move towards environmentally friendly solutions. But targeting museums, in my opinion, will not create this awareness and will not bear fruit."