Climate Activists Throw Soup at Van Gogh Painting to Protest Fossil Fuels

Activist Group Just Stop Oil Continues High-Profile Demonstrations

Protesters Arrested for Criminal Damage

In a dramatic move that has sparked global attention, two climate activists with the group Just Stop Oil have thrown tomato soup at Vincent van Gogh's iconic "Sunflowers" painting at the National Gallery in London. The incident, which occurred on October 14, 2022, has brought renewed focus to the group's campaign against fossil fuels.

Just Stop Oil's Controversial Tactics

Just Stop Oil is a UK-based activist group that aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. The group has gained notoriety for its unconventional tactics, which have included blocking oil terminals and supergluing themselves to roads.

The Tomato Soup Incident

On the day of the incident, two Just Stop Oil activists, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, entered the National Gallery and approached the "Sunflowers" painting. They then proceeded to throw tomato soup over the artwork, which is valued at over £76 million.

The protesters were immediately arrested and charged with criminal damage. They are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Motivations and Reactions

In a statement, Just Stop Oil explained that the soup-throwing demonstration was designed to "draw attention to the cost-of-living crisis that is being fuelled by fossil fuels." The group argued that governments should be focusing on addressing climate change rather than on extracting and burning fossil fuels.

The incident has sparked a range of reactions. Some have praised the activists for their bold action, while others have criticized them for damaging a valuable artwork.

Ongoing Protests

The tomato soup incident is the latest in a series of protests by Just Stop Oil. The group has previously targeted oil terminals, government buildings, and art galleries in an effort to raise awareness about the climate crisis.

The group has pledged to continue its campaign until the UK government commits to ending its reliance on fossil fuels.