Boy Sticks Gum On $1.5 Million Painting

[jeffrey]

Apparently, one 12-year-old visitor to the Detroit Institute of Arts doesn't think much of abstract art.

The boy stuck a wad of gum to a $1.5 million painting called "The Bay" by Helen Frankenthaler, leaving a stain the size of a quarter, officials said.

The boy, who was not identified because of his age, was part of a school group that was visiting the museum last week when officials said he took a piece of gum out of his mouth and stuck it on the 1963 painting... Entire Story

[miclason]

"He is only 12 and I don't think he understood the ramifications of what he did before it happened, but he certainly understands the severity of it now,"

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Well, Ale is only 6 and she already knows that you DON'T stick gum on ANYTHING, what is more, you keep the wrapping of your gum so you can dispose of it properly...

besides that, a child of 12 should know not to touch things that aren't his without permission....not only at an art gallery, but even in his own home!...there is such a thing as private property!

[PrincessPerky]

Hey it is modern art, half the time that stuff is worth more if you do something goofy like that.

[Firefly]

I am not sure he understood how bad sticking the gum on it would be.

[Bluezy]

Think positively. With abstract art the stain might blend in, thus increasing the painting's value! Didn't some abstract and noveau artists use gum in their works?

[cicy33]

I agree with above poster. This kid is not 3. he is 12. He knew better! I mean do any of us let our children go around and just put their chewed gum on stuff? Sure he may not have realized that the painting was worth much but that is not an excuse in my mind. I am pleased to see that his parents punished him and the school did too. He deserved it. Personally I would have made him work off the debt in some way. At least part of it so that he can understand that there are monetary ramifications. You know?

Why is'nt a $1.5 Million painting behind glass???

[Jewelsmom]

At work I just moved into a gov't building priced in the multi-multi millions to build. Most modern state of the art everything. The first day the building was open to move in, I noticed a huge wad of gum stuck on the wall by the water fountains.

I am sure whoever did this was 12 yrs old once, and just maybe didn't get caught.

[poundwise]

Originally Posted by Bluezy

Think positively. With abstract art the stain might blend in, thus increasing the painting's value! Didn't some abstract and noveau artists use gum in their works?

I think you are thinking of feces.

[cicy33]

that is so gross