The Dilemma of Escalating Climate Protests
Art World Pushes Back Against Activists' Justification
Public Backlash Grows Amid Debate Over 'Extreme Common Sense' vs. 'Irrational Extremism'
On August 31, local time, environmental activists in Spain staged a protest by throwing paint on the columns of Sagrada Familia, the iconic Barcelona landmark designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. The activists immediately faced a public backlash. They were arrested by police shortly after the incident, and the group itself filmed the scene and posted the video on its own social media account, further fueling controversy.
On August 31, Yonhap News, citing AFP, reported that two activists from a group called 'Future Plant' sprayed red and black paint on the lower part of the exterior columns of Sagrada Familia and shouted "climate justice." The group explained that their actions were an expression of anger over the widespread devastation caused by wildfires across Spain this summer.
They criticized not only the wildfire response efforts but also the overall inadequacy of government measures against climate change. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), wildfires in Spain over the past two weeks have resulted in four deaths and destroyed approximately 350,000 hectares of land. The Spanish government described these wildfires as "one of the greatest environmental disasters the country has witnessed in recent years" and acknowledged their connection to climate change. Fortunately, as of August 30, the wildfire emergency situation had entered its final stage.
The group behind this protest has previously carried out dozens of similar actions, including a 2022 demonstration at the Prado Museum in Madrid, where activists glued their hands to the frame of a painting by Spanish master Francisco Goya. The latest target, Sagrada Familia, is Barcelona's premier tourist attraction and has been under construction for over a century since work began in 1882. The project is scheduled for completion next year, 144 years after construction began and marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death, with the finishing of the central 'Jesus Christ Tower,' which will reach 172.5 meters.
The Dilemma of Increasingly Radical Climate Protests
Some climate activists believe that showing how artworks or architectural structures with significant historical value are threatened can starkly reveal the seriousness of the climate crisis. They argue that just as art pieces are preserved, the Earth and the environment must also be protected. They claim to use food items such as mashed potatoes or tomato soup, which are not fatal to the restoration of masterpieces, and insist that they only harm the surroundings of the works, such as picture frames or sculpture pedestals, rather than the works themselves. Additionally, they state that they do not indiscriminately target masterpieces but carefully select works that can effectively convey their message.
Some climate activists believe that showing how artworks or architectural structures with significant historical value are threatened can starkly reveal the seriousness of the climate crisis. They argue that just as art pieces are preserved, the Earth and the environment must also be protected. SNS
In contrast, the art world is outraged by the claims of these environmental activists. They argue that no matter how noble the cause, acts that damage cultural heritage, which humanity must preserve, cannot be justified. They strongly assert, "Artworks are to be protected 'together' with the climate; art must not be taken hostage." As attention to the protests grows, so does public backlash. While environmental activists' arguments may appear to be 'extreme common sense' at first glance, some claim they are nothing more than 'irrational extremism.'
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