Paris sculpture removed after vandals strike

By: 10 years ago

The controversial inflatable statue “Tree” by U.S. artist Paul McCarthy as part of the International Modern Art Fair (FIAC), sits deflated on the Place Vendome in Paris, France, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. AP

PARIS— A controversial green art installation on Paris’ tony Place Vendome has been taken down after being vandalized overnight.

The inflatable sculpture called “Tree” vaguely resembled a Christmas tree but evoked for others, including its creator, the artist Paul McCarthy, a giant anal sex toy.

Guide wires holding the sculpture in place were severed by vandals sometime overnight, according to French media reports. The sculpture was deflated and folded up on Saturday.

Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin blasted the vandalism, calling it “a serious attack on the principle of artistic freedom.”

The temporary exhibit is part of the FIAC contemporary art exhibition in Paris.