200 eggplants, 1 installation and 0 conscience (4 photos)

I brought you some news from the world of art. The National Gallery of Singapore has encountered an unexpected problem: visitors are quietly stealing eggplants.





This is the harsh reality of the installation "Still Life" by artist Suzanne Victor. 200 purple fruits are carefully stuck into the wall as part of the exhibition, but they mysteriously disappear - not because they rotted (although they could), but because people decided that this is not art, but a free harvest.



The artist created a work that was supposed to "expose the futility of patriarchy in public spaces," but the public, apparently, saw something else in it - a freebie. The gallery, of course, politely reminds visitors that they are not allowed to touch the exhibits, but who reads the signs when there is a fresh, deliciously shiny eggplant sticking out in front of you? Only each fruit is hand-painted for perfect color and shine.





The author proudly notes that her work appeared before Maurizio Cattelan's famous banana, taped to the wall for 120 thousand dollars. But if the banana at least survived its exhibition (until another artist ate it), then Viktor's eggplants disappear like chips in a bar.

By the way, the original 1992 installation was conceived as a provocation for office workers - Viktor wanted to "wake them up" in the morning by putting 100 eggplants near a shopping center.



This is not the first time that art in Singapore has suffered from the public's love. In 2014, someone tore off a piece of banknotes from the Tunnel of Prosperity installation, and in 2000, a dragon sculpture was stolen, with the thieves taking the cheap epoxy parts, leaving behind the expensive mirror panels. Apparently, the thieves also understand art - but not very well.

- Imagine, he stole an eggplant from an exhibition.

- Why?

- It's an exhibit. If you put it up for auction, you could raise millions. It's like the Mona Lisa.

— What do I need it for?

— You fool, it's a masterpiece! From the National Gallery!

— No, thank you, are you going to take the zucchini? From the garden...