On September 27, 2024, two paintings from Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” series at London’s National Gallery were vandalized by climate activists from the Just Stop Oil group. This incident occurred just hours after two activists were sentenced to prison for a similar act from recent years . The activists splattered what appeared to be tomato soup on the paintings, which were protected by glass, preventing any damage to the artwork itself.

Background of the Incident

The two “Sunflowers” paintings involved were created in 1888 and 1889 and are significant works in Van Gogh’s oeuvre. The vandalism was a direct response to the sentencing of Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, who received prison terms of two years and 20 months, respectively, for their actions in October 2022. During that earlier protest, they threw cans of soup at the painting and glued themselves to the wall beneath it.
Judge Christopher Hehir, who presided over both cases, emphasized that while the protective glass saved the paintings, the actions could have led to severe consequences had the glass not been there. The gallery quickly removed and inspected the artworks after the incident.

Statements from Activists

The Just Stop Oil group released a video of the recent vandalism, framing it as part of their ongoing campaign against fossil fuel projects. Activist Plummer had previously expressed her belief that such actions are necessary to draw attention to the climate crisis, stating, “Is art worth more than life? More than food?”

Recent Trends in Climate Activism

This incident is part of a broader pattern of climate activism targeting artworks. In recent years, Just Stop Oil has engaged in various high-profile protests:

Mona Lisa (May 2022): An activist disguised as an elderly woman in a wheelchair smeared cake on the protective glass of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, shouting about the need to consider the Earth and its destruction

November 2022: Five Just Stop Oil members glued themselves to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” replica at the Royal Academy in London and spray-painted “No new oil” on a wall. They faced fines but avoided jail time

October 14, 2022: Activists Anna Holland and Phoebe Plummer threw cans of tomato soup at Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” at the same gallery and glued themselves to the wall. They were later sentenced to prison for criminal damage.

July 2022: Activists glued themselves to John Constable’s “The Hay Wain” at the National Gallery, protesting against fossil fuel projects. The artwork was unharmed, but the incident highlighted growing tensions between art preservation and climate activism.

June 19, 2024: Two Just Stop Oil activists sprayed orange powder paint on Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, demanding government action against fossil fuels. They were arrested for causing damage to the ancient monument.

These events highlight an escalating trend among climate activists who utilize art as a platform for protest.