JSO Activists Found Guilty of Criminal Damage After Soup Attack on Van Gogh Painting

Two activists from the Just Stop Oil (JSO) group, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, have been found guilty of criminal damage for throwing soup over Vincent van Gogh's iconic painting, *Sunflowers*, at the National Gallery in London. The incident, which occurred in October 2022, involved the pair launching two tins of tomato soup at the artwork before gluing their hands to the wall beneath it. The court was informed that the attack resulted in damage to the painting's gold frame. During the trial at Southwark Crown Court, Judge Christopher Hehir warned the 22-year-old activists to prepare for imprisonment when they are sentenced on September 27. He imposed bail conditions that prohibit them from carrying any adhesive substances in public and from visiting galleries or museums. The court heard Plummer's impassioned remarks made during the protest, questioning the value of art compared to life and highlighting the ongoing cost-of-living crisis as part of a broader climate crisis. Plummer criticized the government's lack of action on climate change, arguing that authorities prioritize prosecuting young activists over addressing environmental issues. The *Sunflowers* painting, which has been part of the National Gallery's collection for a century, is one of four still lifes created by Van Gogh in 1888, showcasing his unique artistic style during a period of inclement weather in Arles, France.