In a shocking turn of events at the prestigious art show in Italy, a man was reported to have deliberately smashed one of the exhibits during the opening night. The piece in question was a sculpture by renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, known for his thought-provoking and often politically charged artworks.
The incident occurred around 8 pm, during the bustling opening ceremony, leaving the audience, art enthusiasts, and the artist himself stunned and outraged. Security guards swiftly apprehended the offender, a man in his early 30s, who has since been questioned by local authorities.
The sculpture, titled “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads,” is a series of 12 bronze animal statues representing the Chinese zodiac. The work is part of Weiwei’s ongoing project that was initially intended to be placed in Beijing’s Old Summer Palace but was instead exhibited at the Palace of Versailles in 2010.
The artist, who is no stranger to controversy, has yet to comment on the incident. However, Ai Weiwei has previously expressed his dismay at acts of vandalism against his art, stating that such acts only serve to highlight the fragility and vulnerability of art in our modern world.
The organizer of the art show, in a statement released early this morning, condemned the act and expressed their sympathy to Ai Weiwei. The damaged sculpture is currently being restored by a team of expert conservators, and it is hoped that it can be repaired in time for continued display at the exhibition.
The identity of the man who perpetrated the act has not been disclosed by the Italian authorities, and the motive behind the vandalism remains unclear. The case is currently under investigation.