Trendpills
A teenager in Mount Gambier, South Australia, has appeared in court charged with property damage after allegedly affixing googly eyes to a prominent and controversial public sculpture. Amelia Vanderhorst, 19, faced the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court via phone for her alleged involvement in the September incident concerning the "Cast in Blue" artwork, often referred to by locals as the "Blue Blob."
The large, abstract blue sculpture of a mythical creature became the subject of widespread attention after photos of its new, wide-eyed appearance circulated online. Following the incident on September 13, local authorities used CCTV footage to identify a suspect. According to court documents reported by media outlets, police allege Vanderhorst was "recklessly indifferent" as to whether her actions would cause damage, leading to the formal charges. This case has highlighted the legal consequences of altering public art, even in jest.
The City of Mount Gambier council issued a statement explaining that the googly eyes could not be easily removed. A spokesperson confirmed that any attempt to peel off the plastic eyes would likely cause irreparable damage to the sculpture's surface. The council's assessment turned the lighthearted prank into a more serious matter of potential vandalism, prompting a formal investigation and subsequent charges against the teenager.
The "Cast in Blue" sculpture has been a point of contention among Mount Gambier residents since its installation, but the googly eyes incident has brought it international notoriety. Vanderhorst's case has sparked a debate online about the nature of public art, humor, and vandalism. The matter is currently proceeding through the legal system, with the unusual case drawing attention from multiple news organizations for its quirky yet legally significant circumstances.
