A Picasso painting at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) was targeted with pink paint by climate activists. The protest, carried out by 21-year-old artist Marcel, a member of Last Generation Canada, caused a brief moment of panic in the museum but did not damage the artwork, which was protected by glass.
In recent years, environmental protests targeting works of art have sparked significant public debate. From Van Gogh to Klimt, masterpieces by some of the most iconic figures in Western art history have been repeatedly targeted in museum spaces. The latest incident took place in Canada.
On Thursday, Marcel threw bright pink paint at Picasso’s L’Hétaire (1901). The protest was shared on social media by the group, showing the young activist being escorted out of the gallery by museum security.
In a statement published on Instagram, Marcel explained the reasoning behind the action:
“Today, I am not attacking art. I’m not destroying it. On the contrary, I am protecting it. Art is an expression of life. It exists for the living. There is no art on a dead planet. I am an artist, and I want to keep creating.”
Museum staff responded immediately. In a later press release, the MMFA confirmed that the artwork had not been harmed due to its protective glass and that it was temporarily removed from the gallery for further assessment. “The museum team acted quickly and confirmed that the artwork was not physically damaged,” the statement read. A more detailed evaluation is currently ongoing.
Montreal police confirmed they were called to the scene around 10:40 a.m., and three individuals were detained. The person who threw the paint was charged with property damage under $5,000 CAD and later released. The other two, who filmed the protest, were questioned and released without charges.
This action was part of Last Generation Canada‘s three-week climate protest campaign. Just a week earlier, the same group had staged a similar protest involving pink paint at a casino building in Montreal. Their core demand remains clear: the Canadian government must establish a special agency to combat climate disasters.
In their statement, the group emphasized the record-breaking temperatures and looming wildfire threats recently seen in places like Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“If I were in Winnipeg, would I still have the energy to make art? Or would I have to use all my resources just to survive?”
Marcel’s words highlight how the ability to create art is deeply tied to the conditions of life itself.
Following the incident, MMFA Director Stéphane Aquin expressed his dismay:
“The target of this action was not only our institution but a part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage. Art is a powerful tool for social change. Museums and artists are already part of the struggle for a better world.”
However, such actions continue to provoke mixed reactions. While some view these protests as bold and attention-grabbing, others question the legitimacy of targeting artworks. A similar protest targeting a Gustav Klimt painting in Austria last year led to the disbandment of Last Generation Austria following public backlash, legal threats, and heavy fines.
