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A group of women taking selfies damaged artworks by renowned Spanish artists in Yekaterinburg / jɛˌkatəˈriːnbəːɡ /, Russia.
The exhibit at the International Arts Center Main Avenue featured Francisco Goya’s Los Caprichos, a collection of artworks published in 1799. Alongside Goya’s work is Salvador Dali’s own interpretation of the piece.
In the museum’s CCTV footage, the temporary wall holding the works of Goya and Dali can be seen falling and almost hitting another museumgoer. One of the women taking selfies is also shown standing beside the collapsed wall.
According to reports, the women took their selfies against the paintings’ background. The group eventually caused the temporary wall to crash, damaging the paintings on display. Although the women tried to escape from the scene, they were later identified and interrogated by the police.
As a result of the incident, the frame and glass containing Goya’s artwork broke, but the picture itself remained intact. On the other hand, Dali’s piece suffered a 10-centimeter cut.
Experts assessed the extent of the damage on the artworks. However, the value of the pieces and the cost of repairs were not revealed.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia conducted an investigation following the event. While being questioned by the police, the women explained that they had only touched the wall by accident while taking selfies. Despite this explanation, the gallery staff claimed that the women had misbehaved.
In a written statement, the gallery’s deputy director asked that the women be prosecuted for their actions. However, Yekaterinburg does not want to file criminal charges against the women, who are expected to pay an undisclosed amount for damages.