Experiences and the Motives Behind Art Theft and Vandalism

Prompted by the recent theft and damage of the Bruce Lee statue in Mostar, as well as the attack on the Mona Lisa in Paris, we investigated other unplanned interactions with works of art. We explored the most common motives and reasons behind theft and damage to artworks. Additionally, we would like to hear if you have ever had similar experiences while exhibiting your artwork. How did you feel about it? What impact did those actions have on your work? Do you believe these actions added a new layer of interpretation to your work?

Here you can also view the interview with Ivan Fijolić, the author of the public sculpture of Bruce Lee in Mostar, which was recently stolen and damaged.

Also, you can read the article "Unveiling the Motives Behind Art Theft and Vandalism" which reveals the most common reasons and motives for the theft and damage of artworks.

Martina Miholic said:

Prompted by the recent theft and damage of the Bruce Lee statue in Mostar, as well as the attack on the Mona Lisa in Paris, we investigated other unplanned interactions with works of art. We explored the most common motives and reasons behind theft and damage to artworks. Additionally, we would like to hear if you have ever had similar experiences while exhibiting your artwork. How did you feel about it? What impact did those actions have on your work? Do you believe these actions added a new layer of interpretation to your work?

Here you can also view the interview with Ivan Fijolić, the author of the public sculpture of Bruce Lee in Mostar, which was recently stolen and damaged.

Also, you can read the article "Unveiling the Motives Behind Art Theft and Vandalism" which reveals the most common reasons and motives for the theft and damage of artworks.

Thank you for initiating this discussion on unplanned interactions with artworks. While I haven't personally experienced theft or damage to my artwork, I resonate deeply with the concerns surrounding the vulnerability of artistic creations to such unfortunate events.

As a painter whose art leans towards the intimate rather than the overtly engaged, I find myself contemplating the implications of these incidents within the broader context of artistic expression and interpretation. While the motives behind such acts may vary, ranging from opportunistic theft to misguided attempts at self-expression, the impact on artists and their works can be profound.

For many artists, their creations are imbued with personal meaning and emotion, making any form of damage or theft a deeply distressing experience. The violation of one's artistic vision and the disruption of the intended dialogue between the artwork and its audience can be profoundly unsettling.

However, in the face of adversity, artists often find resilience and strength in adversity. While the immediate impact of such incidents may be negative, there is potential for them to add new layers of interpretation to the work. The scars left behind by acts of vandalism or theft can become part of the artwork's narrative, sparking discussions about the fragility of artistic expression and the broader societal issues at play.

As artists, we are constantly grappling with the unpredictability of human behavior and the ever-present threat of harm to our creations. Yet, it is precisely this vulnerability that underscores the power and significance of art in our lives. Through adversity, we find opportunities for growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Sonja Pavlina said:

Thank you for initiating this discussion on unplanned interactions with artworks. While I haven't personally experienced theft or damage to my artwork, I resonate deeply with the concerns surrounding the vulnerability of artistic creations to such unfortunate events.

As a painter whose art leans towards the intimate rather than the overtly engaged, I find myself contemplating the implications of these incidents within the broader context of artistic expression and interpretation. While the motives behind such acts may vary, ranging from opportunistic theft to misguided attempts at self-expression, the impact on artists and their works can be profound.

For many artists, their creations are imbued with personal meaning and emotion, making any form of damage or theft a deeply distressing experience. The violation of one's artistic vision and the disruption of the intended dialogue between the artwork and its audience can be profoundly unsettling.

However, in the face of adversity, artists often find resilience and strength in adversity. While the immediate impact of such incidents may be negative, there is potential for them to add new layers of interpretation to the work. The scars left behind by acts of vandalism or theft can become part of the artwork's narrative, sparking discussions about the fragility of artistic expression and the broader societal issues at play.

As artists, we are constantly grappling with the unpredictability of human behavior and the ever-present threat of harm to our creations. Yet, it is precisely this vulnerability that underscores the power and significance of art in our lives. Through adversity, we find opportunities for growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Dear Sonja, thank you so much for your comment and thoughts. I'm also glad to hear your perspective on this topic. The topic is indeed broad and complex, and it can be approached from many angles. I have personally explored it through my own art practice and theoretical research, but also I was facing similarish problems as an artist, as well as a producer and gallery coordinator. And now, I am an irreparable optimist and always look at how things can be improved, and on the other hand, I always try to find and utilize the best out of an uncomfortable situation. Theft or damage to artworks is never a pleasant situation, whether it happens to you as an artist or as an organizer and producer, but when things are positively resolved and when you look back at the situation, some are so abstract that they seem tragicomic...

Martina Miholic said:

Dear Sonja, thank you so much for your comment and thoughts. I'm also glad to hear your perspective on this topic. The topic is indeed broad and complex, and it can be approached from many angles. I have personally explored it through my own art practice and theoretical research, but also I was facing similarish problems as an artist, as well as a producer and gallery coordinator. And now, I am an irreparable optimist and always look at how things can be improved, and on the other hand, I always try to find and utilize the best out of an uncomfortable situation. Theft or damage to artworks is never a pleasant situation, whether it happens to you as an artist or as an organizer and producer, but when things are positively resolved and when you look back at the situation, some are so abstract that they seem tragicomic...

Do you have an example? :)

Sonja Pavlina said:

Do you have an example? :)

Ohhh... I do.

Although in some previous researches I approached the problem structurally, primarily exploring the political and ideological motives behind the theft, removal, and damage of artworks, I will start sharing a couple of anecdotes. Some were..., well funky in a way. 

At my degree show at CSM, the set of active speakers I was using as part of an art installation was stolen. At the time, I was so broke that I had to beg my parents to send me some money to buy new ones. I still remember not having the time to reorder them. I recall walking for miles down a dusty road after the last tube station, dragging those speakers. 🤦‍♀️🤣

On another occasion, in the gallery, we had a piece consisted of many axes—literally, axes. Somehow, one visitor managed to steal several of them. Our security guards noticed and tried to prevent his escape when some of the axes fell out of his hoodie. Of course, the whole situation ended with the police getting involved, and luckily, nobody was harmed.

Also, a few years ago, I had my own solo show, which featured various functional items, such as mini fridges, popcorn machines, candy floss makers—all in pink. The basic idea of the exhibition was the interactive use of the items, meaning the exhibited objects could be touched and used. People took advantage of this, which I found great, but I was saddened that many items were stolen. In one little fridge, there were some beautifully designed soda cans, with pink palms, and I regret that someone took them before the official photographer had the chance to photograph them.

Martina Miholic said:

Prompted by the recent theft and damage of the Bruce Lee statue in Mostar, as well as the attack on the Mona Lisa in Paris, we investigated other unplanned interactions with works of art. We explored the most common motives and reasons behind theft and damage to artworks. Additionally, we would like to hear if you have ever had similar experiences while exhibiting your artwork. How did you feel about it? What impact did those actions have on your work? Do you believe these actions added a new layer of interpretation to your work?

Here you can also view the interview with Ivan Fijolić, the author of the public sculpture of Bruce Lee in Mostar, which was recently stolen and damaged.

Also, you can read the article "Unveiling the Motives Behind Art Theft and Vandalism" which reveals the most common reasons and motives for the theft and damage of artworks.

I also have one funny situation. One family bought my painting and the little girl from that family really liked the painting. She liked it so much that she decided to sign it next to my signature (she just learned to write). After that, her mom called me completely disgusted and asked me if I could recolor her signature. She signed herself in large letters and had a long first and second name, so I had a lot of work to fix the picture. :)

Natalia Borčić Peuc said:

I also have one funny situation. One family bought my painting and the little girl from that family really liked the painting. She liked it so much that she decided to sign it next to my signature (she just learned to write). After that, her mom called me completely disgusted and asked me if I could recolor her signature. She signed herself in large letters and had a long first and second name, so I had a lot of work to fix the picture. :)

Natalija, I'm sure you weren't pleased to see the "improved" work. But somehow, this is still a sweet story to me, and a truly sincere compliment to you. The little girl really liked the work. And children never lie.

Martina Miholic said:

Natalija, I'm sure you weren't pleased to see the "improved" work. But somehow, this is still a sweet story to me, and a truly sincere compliment to you. The little girl really liked the work. And children never lie.

Ohh what a story :D

I agree, this is somehow sweet!

Have you see this? A new Banksy muiral has already been defaced. 

https://globalnews.ca/news/10375686/banksy-mural-defaced-london-islington/

Natalia Borčić Peuc said:

I also have one funny situation. One family bought my painting and the little girl from that family really liked the painting. She liked it so much that she decided to sign it next to my signature (she just learned to write). After that, her mom called me completely disgusted and asked me if I could recolor her signature. She signed herself in large letters and had a long first and second name, so I had a lot of work to fix the picture. :)

oh wow, must have been quite a beast to tame :D

do you have a photo of the signature? or perhaps just a photo of the artwork itself?

Martina Miholic said:

Prompted by the recent theft and damage of the Bruce Lee statue in Mostar, as well as the attack on the Mona Lisa in Paris, we investigated other unplanned interactions with works of art. We explored the most common motives and reasons behind theft and damage to artworks. Additionally, we would like to hear if you have ever had similar experiences while exhibiting your artwork. How did you feel about it? What impact did those actions have on your work? Do you believe these actions added a new layer of interpretation to your work?

Here you can also view the interview with Ivan Fijolić, the author of the public sculpture of Bruce Lee in Mostar, which was recently stolen and damaged.

Also, you can read the article "Unveiling the Motives Behind Art Theft and Vandalism" which reveals the most common reasons and motives for the theft and damage of artworks.

Do you have any example with positive outcome?

Iva Karla Habus said:

Do you have any example with positive outcome?

Actually, there was a tragicomic situation at the 36th Young Artists Salon with the work of Antonijo Kutleša. Through his work Antonijo was addressing the global threat of food scarcity in his work, and as part of the exhibit, he displayed insects enclosed in Plexiglas boxes. The day after the grand opening, I returned home in the evening when the gallery guards called me to report that someone had released the insects from the boxes and they were now jumping all over the gallery. Of course, it was chaos; they were catching these insects everywhere, the artist was coming from another part of the city... Of course, the whole thing ended up in the media and there was an incredible interest in the exhibition and that artwork. Numerous media reported on it and the general public was eagerly engaged in discussing the work's concept.

Even with the great effort that would be put into PR activities, such media frenzy, which we owe to the artist, the insects, and actually a malicious visitor, does not often happen.

As much as we truly benefited from this action, which also opened up public debate and questioned the concept of the work, I still do not promote this kind of invasive involvement in the very integrity of someone's artistic work.

Work: Antonijo Kutleša, Photo: HDLU / Juraj Vuglač

Work: Antonijo Kutleša, Photo: HDLU / Juraj Vuglač

Natalia Borčić Peuc said:

I also have one funny situation. One family bought my painting and the little girl from that family really liked the painting. She liked it so much that she decided to sign it next to my signature (she just learned to write). After that, her mom called me completely disgusted and asked me if I could recolor her signature. She signed herself in large letters and had a long first and second name, so I had a lot of work to fix the picture. :)

Dear Natalia, thank you for sharing this very interesting story with us. We would certainly appreciate it if you could share a photo of the work here; we are very interested in seeing it. Even though it has caused you a problem, this was a huge compliment to your work. We believe that the girl was not the only one who wanted to sign your work; surely, many would not mind putting their signature on your unique pieces.

But please tell us, is this girl still interested in the art world and expression? Maybe one day, she will become Endemic artist as well.

Martina Miholic said:

Prompted by the recent theft and damage of the Bruce Lee statue in Mostar, as well as the attack on the Mona Lisa in Paris, we investigated other unplanned interactions with works of art. We explored the most common motives and reasons behind theft and damage to artworks. Additionally, we would like to hear if you have ever had similar experiences while exhibiting your artwork. How did you feel about it? What impact did those actions have on your work? Do you believe these actions added a new layer of interpretation to your work?

Here you can also view the interview with Ivan Fijolić, the author of the public sculpture of Bruce Lee in Mostar, which was recently stolen and damaged.

Also, you can read the article "Unveiling the Motives Behind Art Theft and Vandalism" which reveals the most common reasons and motives for the theft and damage of artworks.

The recent incidents involving the theft and damage of the Bruce Lee statue in Mostar, alongside the attack on the Mona Lisa, spotlight a fascinating yet troubling trend of how art, meant to inspire and provoke thought, can become the target of such acts. It's intriguing to see an exploration into the various motives behind these actions, whether they stem from a desire to make a statement, personal gain, or mere vandalism. As an artist, the thought of my work being subjected to such interactions is daunting. It raises questions about the security and vulnerability of public art. On one hand, these incidents can indeed add a new layer of interpretation or notoriety to the work, making it immortal in the annals of art history. On the other hand, they can also lead to a loss that is often irreplaceable. It's a complex situation that touches on the respect for artistic expression and the unpredictability of public reception. Hearing from Ivan Fijolić about his experience adds a personal touch to the discussion, making it even more relatable

KGI said:

The recent incidents involving the theft and damage of the Bruce Lee statue in Mostar, alongside the attack on the Mona Lisa, spotlight a fascinating yet troubling trend of how art, meant to inspire and provoke thought, can become the target of such acts. It's intriguing to see an exploration into the various motives behind these actions, whether they stem from a desire to make a statement, personal gain, or mere vandalism. As an artist, the thought of my work being subjected to such interactions is daunting. It raises questions about the security and vulnerability of public art. On one hand, these incidents can indeed add a new layer of interpretation or notoriety to the work, making it immortal in the annals of art history. On the other hand, they can also lead to a loss that is often irreplaceable. It's a complex situation that touches on the respect for artistic expression and the unpredictability of public reception. Hearing from Ivan Fijolić about his experience adds a personal touch to the discussion, making it even more relatable

Thank you very much for your opinion. The incidents involving the Bruce Lee statue and the Mona Lisa highlight the delicate balance public art navigates between admiration and vulnerability, serving as a mirror to societal attitudes and tensions. These acts of vandalism or theft not only expose the risks to public art but also add complex layers to its history and interpretation. Ivan Fijolić's personal insights underscore the impact on artists, emphasizing the need for community engagement and a deeper respect for cultural expressions.