Young Australian Charged for Allegedly Attaching Googly Eyes on ‘Cast in Blue’ Sculpture
A teenager from the Land Down Under has appeared in court after reportedly vandalizing a large blue sculpture of a mythical creature by affixing googly eyes to it.
The 19-year-old, 19 years old, participated via phone at Mount Gambier Magistrates Court in the state of South Australia on that day, charged with a single charge of damaging property.
Officials commented at the moment of the recent event, the municipal authorities said that CCTV footage captured a individual putting artificial eyes on the artwork, which locals have nicknamed the “Cast in Blue”.
The accused made no plea and informed the judge she was ill, according to media sources, with the magistrate recommending her to find a lawyer before her next court date in December.
The following day the reported event, the local mayor stated that restoration to the popular community sculpture would be costly as the adhesive eyes were impossible to be detached without harming the art piece.
“This wilful damage to a valued community art 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 members of our society who have embraced Cast in Blue.”
She added the council would pursue the “significant” repair costs from those accountable for the damage.
When the sculpture was first proposed, it drew varied responses from the local community due to its cost and appearance.
Priced at A$136,000 (eighty-nine thousand US dollars; £68,000), the artwork depicts a legendary giant animal, with the creators influenced by an ancient anteater-like marsupial found in local caves that was “massive, lumbering and fascinating”.
