VANCOUVER Police are investigating the mischief to a piece of art at the Vancouver Art Gallery in February and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
“It is very upsetting to see the blatant disregard towards the artist’s time, energy and creative expression that it took to create this piece of art,” said Constable Tania Visintin on Thursday.
Officers responded to a call at the Vancouver Art Gallery after a video was circulating on social media of a man damaging a piece of art at the gallery. The damaged art, entitled “Delta Trim”, was created in 2018 by Maureen Gruben – an Indigenous artist who resides in the Northwest Territories. The damage to the “Delta Trim” was isolated to the portion comprised of bubble-wrap which had been allegedly popped by the suspect on February 3.
The person filming is a dark-skinned man and appears to be between 19 and 23 years old. He has a thin build, brown eyes, and black shoulder length curly hair. He was wearing a dark blue jean jacket over a top that appears to be two dark coloured hooded jackets. He was also wearing a black face mask.
“Investigators were advised if the repair can be done, it would cost approximately $5,500 – $6,500; however, the estimate cannot be refined until the repair is attempted,” noted Visintin.
Anyone who has information, or anyone who recognizes the suspect, is asked to call investigators at 604-717-4022.