painting

Upholding an environment-friendly attitude is an admirable and considerate practice. However, in some cases, causing damage to one’s property may not be the most appropriate response. On Friday, just after 11 a.m., two young climate activists entered The National Gallery in London and encountered one of Vincent van Gogh’s best-known paintings, “Sunflowers.” In response, they broke open two cans of Heinz tomato soup, threw them on the painting, and then glued their hands to the wall.

“What is worth more, art or life? Is it worth more than food? Worth more than justice?” shouted one of the activists. “Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?”

What Caused The Climate Activists To Act In Such A Manner?

An interesting aspect of this protest is that the climate activists of Just Stop Oil, a movement campaigning against fossil fuels, attempted to demonstrate a point (in an unusual manner) through their climate art stunt. Despite this, their goal appears to be to raise awareness about objects that are not as essential to our daily lives being prioritized.

In addition, this group demands that the British government prohibit the development of new oil and gas projects, which explains why they attacked the “Sunflowers” painting, mainly because it was created using oil.

The artwork is one of Van Gogh’s multiple versions of “Sunflowers,” dating from the late 1880s.

One of Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” paintings he created in 1889. Credit: Van Gogh Museum

Resulting Consequences

Furthermore, the soup splashed across the glass, covering the painting and its gilt frame. National Gallery officials stated, “there is some minor damage to the frame, but the painting is unharmed.” Fortunately, the painting was cleaned and returned to its original location on Friday afternoon.

As for the consequences, the Metropolitan Police tweeted that both protesters were arrested for aggravated trespassing and criminal property damage.

Officers were rapidly on scene at the National Gallery this morning after two Just Stop Oil protesters threw a substance over a painting and then glued themselves to a wall. Both have been arrested for criminal damage & aggravated trespass. Officers are now de-bonding them.

— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) October 14, 2022

Achieving Their Goal Is What Climate Activists Are Committed To

However, the protest did not end at that point. Several members of the same group gathered at the police headquarters later in the day and painted yellow paint over the rotating “New Scotland Yard” sign. In addition, many people glued themselves to the road, obstructing traffic. According to the police, 24 individuals were arrested that day.

As long as the protesters’ purpose was not recognized and implemented, they would not give up.

Previous Protests

In May, the Mona Lisa was smudged with cake by a man dressed as a woman in a wheelchair. His presentation aimed to encourage people to think about the environment. Another peculiar aspect of these rallies is the use of food as a protest tool. Does the use of edible materials have a purpose?

Furthermore, several years ago, members of the climate change organization Extinction Rebellion scaled the roof of a commuter train in London. As a result, commuters could not reach their workplace, and a physical altercation occurred between protesters and commuters.

There are circumstances in which people are expected to act on emotions. Hopefully, justice will be served to the protestors. Nevertheless, the course of action they propose should be presented differently to achieve a more positive outcome.

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Instagram: @competent_journalist | Twitter: @BiggsNikiya

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Who was Jean-Michel Basquiat?

From “Portraits of Radiant Child Jean-Michel Basquiat 1984” by Richard Corman/ Courtesy of Savage Thrills

Jean-Michel Basquiat, known as the “OG of graffiti,” was born in Brooklyn, New York on Dec., 22, 1960. Critics began to take notice of his artwork and the messages that came with it. His controversial style of painting with graffiti-like images and screwed text embodied that of rebellion. Early childhood traumas led to Basquiat to dropping out of high school and leaving home at age 17. Together with graffiti artists Al Diaz and Shannon Dawson, they formed SAMO. The trio began a graffiti campaign around New York City. Emerging at the age of 20, Basquiat participated in his first formal public exhibition, “The Times Square Show” (1980). The post-graffiti moment in 1980s New York City marked the transition of street art from city walls and subway trains to canvas and into the art world. Thus was the beginning of what would make him the face of Hip Hop culture.

Basquiat and His Mark on Hip Hop

Basquiat’s work has been mentioned in some of your favorite hip hop artists’ music and noticed in several artistic cultural endeavors. Jay-Z raps, “I got Basquiat’s in the lobby of my spot,” in his 2008 hit, “Ain’t I”. Other hip hop artists, also mention the late street artists work. His importance to the culture stems from his collaborations with Andy Warhol and Francesco Clemente. His work addressed his childhood with child-like drawings like “Pez Dispenser”, which shows his depiction of a tyrannosaurus rex and a crown hovering over it. In translation, he illustrated the oppression of blacks but in turn shows power and dominance they possess. His problems with homelessness were relatable in the black community. This wave of hip hop artists showed the world that the black culture was something to be celebrated.

“Pez Dispenser” by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1984/ Courtesy of Basquiat estate

Controversy After Death

Jean-Michel Basquiat died of a drug overdose on Aug., 12, 1988. In May 2017, a Japanese billionaire bought “Untitled,” a 1982 painting of a skull, for $110.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction. It was also the highest price for a painting by Basquiat and by a Black artist.

This year’s Tiffany ad campaign features Beyoncé and Jay-Z in front of a never before seen Basquiat painting. However, friends and family of the late artist were “horrified,” at the release of the campaign. The American luxury jewelry company purchased the artwork entitled Equals Pi. Alexis Adler who lived with Basquiat from 1979 to 1980, questioned the artworks use as a prop in an ad. Stephen Torton, who worked for Basquiat for many years, stated through a post on Instagram, “…The idea that this blue background, which I mixed and applied was in any way related to Tiffany Blue is so absurd that at first I chose not to comment.” The release of the $40 million painting has fans raving, why so serious? Weigh in on the topic on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FMHipHop.

Written by Antoinette Ford.