Three people were charged after throwing soup at Van Gogh’s Sunflowers paintings during a London exhibition. The artworks were unharmed, restored to display soon after, and the incident marks the third attack on art at the National Gallery in recent years.
Three individuals have been charged after orange soup was thrown at Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings, Sunflowers 1888 and Sunflowers 1889, at the National Gallery in London. The altercation took place during the Poets and Lovers exhibition, which features over 60 works by the renowned Dutch artist. Arrested on Friday, the accused—Stephen Simpson (61), Mary Somerville (77), and Phillipa Green (24)—are facing charges of criminal damage and are scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Following the incident, the paintings were examined and safely restored to public display shortly thereafter. This incident marks the third attack on art at the National Gallery in recent years, highlighting ongoing issues surrounding artwork protection and protest actions. The exhibition itself has received substantial acclaim, with enthusiastic reviews praising it as “once-in-a-century” and a “riveting rollercoaster ride.”
The transformed works of Vincent Van Gogh, a post-impressionist painter, remain significant cultural icons, inspiring myriad exhibitions and showcases across the globe. The recent incident involving the throwing of soup at his paintings raises discussions about the preservation of art and the motivations behind such protests. Set against the backdrop of successful exhibitions, including over 60 pieces from Van Gogh, the attack not only sparked outrage but drew attention to the vulnerability of artistic treasures in the face of activism. This incident follows a trend of targeting famous artworks to highlight social issues, indicating a growing intersection between protest and art.
The soup-throwing incident at the National Gallery reaffirms concerns over the protection of valuable artworks while shedding light on the activism surrounding them. The quick assessment and restoration of the damaged Van Gogh pieces illustrate their resilience in the face of controversy. Meanwhile, the exhibition continues to receive acclaim, indicating the enduring appeal and significance of Van Gogh’s artistry.
Original Source: www.bbc.com