In a shocking incident at the Louvre in Paris, two environmental protesters targeted the iconic Mona Lisa by throwing soup at the masterpiece. The protesters, associated with the environmental activist group Riposte Alimentaire (Food Response), called for “healthy and sustainable food” during the demonstration.
The painting, protected by bulletproof glass, appeared undamaged. This incident occurred against the backdrop of French farmers’ protests and is part of a global movement demanding environmental action.
A22 Movement Advocates for Sustainable Food and Farmers’ Rights
Visitors at the Louvre witnessed the startling act as the protesters threw yellow-colored soup at the Mona Lisa. The painting, housed behind protective glass, remained unharmed.
The activists, after the attack, assumed a salute-like gesture near the splattered artwork, conveying their message on the importance of sustainable and healthy food. Louvre staff swiftly responded by erecting black cloth screens around the painting and the protesters.
The protesters, affiliated with Riposte Alimentaire and the broader A22 movement, posed questions about the prioritization of art over the right to healthy and sustainable food.
They emphasized issues in the farming system and the challenges faced by farmers. This event coincided with ongoing protests by French farmers, adding to a series of similar attacks on artworks globally to highlight environmental concerns.
Riposte Alimentaire, part of the A22 umbrella movement, aligns with Just Stop Oil and other protest groups across 12 countries. The statement from Riposte Alimentaire highlighted their commitment to a campaign of civil resistance, focusing on the social security of sustainable food.
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Protesters Target Mona Lisa with Soup
Questions arose regarding the security measures at the Louvre, considering the strict bag controls in major galleries.
Previous attacks on artworks, such as the mashed potato attack on Claude Monet’s painting in Germany and the pouring of tomato soup on Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers in London, prompted enhanced security measures.
The Mona Lisa has been behind glass since a 1956 incident, and the glass was upgraded to bulletproof in 2005. The soup attack on the Mona Lisa serves as a dramatic expression of environmental activism within the art world.
The incident underscores the intersection of global movements, highlighting concerns about sustainable practices and social responsibility.
As museums grapple with the balance between accessibility and security, this event raises questions about the ongoing dialogue between art, activism, and environmental consciousness.
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