On October 14, 2022 Van Gogh’s “Sunflower” painting was vandalized by two protesters from Just Stop Oil. The protesters threw what appeared to be tomato soup at the painting in The London National Gallery.

The protestors then continued to glue themselves to the wall shouting “What is worth more, art or life?”. They went further, saying “Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?” and “The cost of living crisis is part of the cost of oil crisis. Fuel is unaffordable to millions of cold, hungry families. They can’t even afford to heat a tin of soup.”

After this, the police removed the protestors from the wall and arrested them. They were arrested on charges of criminal damage and aggravated trespass.

Just Stop Oil defended the protest on Twitter, “Human creativity and brilliance is on show in this gallery, yet our heritage is being destroyed by our Government’s failure to act on the climate and cost of living crisis.”

The United Kingdom has been slowly creeping towards a recession. The pound fell to an all time low against the U.S. dollar last month. The conservative government plans to spend billions to offset energy bills that drive the cost-of-living crisis. The likelihood of the plan panning out is low.

The London National Gallery has since given updates informing those who were concerned that the painting is unharmed with little damage to the frame. The painting was back in display approximately five hours later.