Young Australian Charged for Supposedly Attaching Googly Eyes on ‘Cast in Blue’ Sculpture
A teenager from the Land Down Under has appeared in court after reportedly defacing a large art piece of a legendary being by affixing plastic eyes to it.
The 19-year-old, aged 19, appeared remotely at Mount Gambier Magistrates Court in South Australia on Tuesday, facing with a single charge of damaging property.
In a statement at the moment of the September incident, the municipal authorities explained that surveillance video showed a person putting artificial eyes on the artwork, which locals have dubbed the “Blue Blob”.
Ms Vanderhorst made no plea and informed the judge she was unwell, as reported by media sources, with the magistrate recommending her to find a legal representative before her next court date in the final month of the year.
A day after the reported event, the city leader said that restoration to the popular community sculpture would be costly as the adhesive eyes could not be detached without harming the sculpture.
“This intentional vandalism to a cherished public artwork is unacceptable and disrespectful,” City of Mount Gambier mayor remarked in mid-September. “It is not innocent amusement, it is costly - it is also disappointing to those people of our society who have welcomed the Blue Blob.”
The mayor added the council would pursue the “significant” repair costs from those accountable for the vandalism.
When the sculpture was initially suggested, it drew varied responses from the area residents due to its cost and appearance.
Costing 136,000 Australian dollars ($89,000; £68,000), the sculpture depicts a legendary giant animal, with the creators inspired by an ancient anteater-like marsupial found in nearby caverns that was “massive, lumbering and fascinating”.
