Webdesk: According to US officials, two climate activists caught on Friday. There arrest is in connection with an attack on a sculpture. Said sculpture created by renowned French artist Edgar Degas at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Moreover, According to the US Attorney’s Office, the suspects, Timothy Martin, 53, and Joanna Smith, 53, surrendered to law enforcement officials. In North Carolina and Washington, respectively.
Martin and Smith charged with conspiracy to commit an offence against the US. As well as causing damage to an exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. Both charged specifically with smearing paint over the Plexiglas case. As well as base of Edgar Degas’ masterwork “La petite danseuse de quatorze ans” (“Little Dancer, Age Fourteen”).
The attack, which occurred in April, was claimed by a group called “Declare Emergency”. According to the US Attorney, this group has previously staged disruptive activities such as roadblocks in the Washington region.
The artwork incurred around $2,400 in damage as a result of the attack, prompting its removal from public exhibition for a period of 10 days. Martin and Smith may face up to five years in prison for each charge and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Moreover, Environmental activists have used similar tactics to bring attention to the issue of global warming, primarily in Europe. While, Activists attach their hands to a Goya picture in Madrid, pour tomato soup on Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” in London, and spread mashed potatoes on a Claude Monet masterpiece in Potsdam, near Berlin.
The goal of such attacks on creative works is to raise public awareness about the importance of mitigating climate change.
