A group of environmental activists have glued themselves to a painting at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Three young protestors from Just Stop Oil have sprayed paint around the Glasgow museum, while two have glued themselves to the frame of a painting.
The painting in question is a 19th century landscape by Horatio McCulloch called ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’.
According to a press release by Just Stop Oil, the activists have staged the protest to call for the government to end new oil and gas and for art institutions to join them in civil resistance.
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Activist and Glasgow School of Art graduate Emma Brown, 30, said: "I am taking this action because art is about telling the truth and connecting to our deepest emotions. But right now, when we need them most – art institutions are failing us.
"They seem to think it’s enough to put on an exhibition about climate change rather than challenge the government’s genocidal plans to allow new oil and gas. This is unacceptable, it’s not enough to be informed as citizens, we need to be active.
“If you are more angry about the action than about mothers dying of heat stroke in India leaving orphaned babies crying for breastmilk, or about the millions of families in the UK struggling to buy food because of fossil fuel profiteering by the rich then you need to get your priorities straight. What is more priceless?
"This piece of art or your children’s life? There can be no new fossil fuel projects, it’s insanity and greed.”
Fellow activist and Glasgow School of Art student Hannah Torrance Bright, 20, said: “I’m an artist, I love art, but instead of spending my time making art I’m taking actions like this, spending time in and out of cells, and being punished by our legal system for begging the government to let my generation have a future. We hold these works of art sacred, but what is more sacred than life itself?
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"You should be outraged at this action – I’m outraged because I feel I have no choice but to resist the government’s genocidal plans. Imagine how outraged you’ll feel when your loved ones are dying in extreme weather events while the government continues to protect oil companies rather than its citizens.
"So feel outraged, and then take action. We cannot stand by.”
A statement released via the Kelvingrove Museum Facebook page read: "On Police Scotland advice Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has had to close early today due to climate protestors inside the museum. We expect the building to open as normal tomorrow, Thursday 30 June at 10am and we will provide an update on these channels soon."
UPDATE: Glasgow Kelvingrove Gallery protest sees five people arrested and venue shut down
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