Two climate activists made headlines on Sunday when they threw soup at the glass protecting the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum in Paris. In a video posted on social media, two women wearing T-shirts with the words “FOOD RIPOSTE” could be seen passing under a security barrier and throwing soup at the protective glass of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous masterpiece. They shouted slogans advocating for a sustainable food system and questioned the importance of art compared to the right to a healthy and sustainable food.
The activists expressed their concerns about the current farming system, stating that it is sick and that farmers are dying at work. They believe that the French government is not fulfilling its climate commitments and called for the establishment of a state-sponsored health care system to improve access to healthy food and provide farmers with a decent income. The incident took place amidst ongoing protests by French farmers who have been using their tractors to set up road blockades and slow down traffic across the country. They are demanding better remuneration for their produce, less bureaucratic red tape, and protection against cheap imports. In addition to the tractor protests, farmers have also dumped agricultural waste at the gates of government offices.
Following the incident, Louvre employees promptly placed black panels in front of the “Mona Lisa” and asked visitors to evacuate the room. Paris police later announced that two people were arrested in connection with the incident.
The actions of these climate activists highlight the growing concerns about the state of the farming industry and the need for a more sustainable and equitable food system. They believe that art should not take precedence over the right to healthy and sustainable food. The incident at the Louvre Museum serves as a reminder of the pressing issues surrounding agriculture and the urgent need for change.
