Climate Protestors Toss Soup On ‘Sunflowers’ Painting By Van Gogh

Activists apparently associated with the UK-based Just Stop Oil movement made a big scene at the National Gallery in London when they threw soup on a Van Gogh painting titled “Sunflowers,” and then superglued themselves to the wall. Due to a plexiglass covering, the painting was not damaged during the demonstration.

This is a continuation of demonstrations by the group which have targeted The National Gallery and other art venues several times. These actions have included protestors supergluing themselves the the paintings’ frames as well. Some have criticized the movement for targeting works by dead artists who aren’t responsible for climate issues, but they certainly have succeeded in starting conversations at least.

Other protests led by Just Stop Oil have included several activists blocking the track for the British Grand Prix racing event, and even blocked an oil terminal in Glasgow, Scotland in an act of disruption.

After sticking themselves to the wall, the protestors also spoke about their justification for the action.

“What is worth more? Art or life? Is it worth more than food, worth more than justice?” the protestor began. “Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting, or the protection of our planet and people. The cost of living crisis is part of the cost of oil crisis.”

The protestor also noted that families were struggling to pay energy bills that “they can’t even afford to heat a tin of soup.”

These actions may have been motivated by some recent statements and movements from Liz Truss, the new prime minister of Britain. Truss’ proposed plan to lower rising energy costs in the country is to “use more of our energy supply, including more oil and gas in the North Sea and nuclear power,” and will likely have a significant negative impact on the environment.

She is in the process of approving drilling licenses in the North Sea, with one report from The Guardian saying as many as 130 drilling licenses could be issued. Truss’ administration also lifted a moratorium on fracking that had been in place since 2019.