Vandalized ‘reading girl’ statue removed from public eye in Turkey’s northwest

BURSA

A statue of a girl reading a book has been removed from its public space in Turkey’s northwestern province of Bursa after it was vandalized along with other public art pieces several times by unidentified perpetrators, daily Hürriyet reported on July 23.

The statue, which was attacked twice, is one of the three statues that were made in the municipality’s sculpture atelier and were placed in Bursa’s public spaces to add beauty to urban life.

However, it was not the only target for the vandals.

Two other statues attacked, under repair

The other one of a girl playing a violin was also subjected to further acts of hatred and disrespect.

The statue’s violin and violin bow were stolen. After an investigation, the statue’s violin was found in a trash can.

That statue is currently being repaired and will be replaced.

Another statue that was harmed by unidentified assailants is the statue of an old couple.

The old couple’s cane was broken from the statue.

A new cane is being made for the statue, which has been a source of inspiration for locals and whoever sees the statue.

“The maintenance efforts to keep the sculptures in shape are in place, however, when the pieces are consciously harmed or when parts are stolen, it became a challenge for us,” an unidentified official from Bursa’s Urban Esthetics Unit said.

“For example, the stolen violin [sculpture] was found in a trash container. Repairs are ongoing for the cane and the violin. They will soon be put in their appropriate places,” the official added.

Vietnamese artist’s sculpture also attacked

A sculpture in the Nilüfer district of Bursa made by a Vietnamese artist was defaced with paint in July 2016. The sculpture, called “Being Free,” was made by Van Hoang Huynh for the International Kuzgun Acar Sculpture Symposium in 2011 and had been on display ever since.

The unidentified vandals attacked the sculpture with black paint, drawing widespread criticism.

“This is an attack on art and culture. The artist who made this sculpture should be respected,” said Mustafa Bozbey, the mayor of Nilüfer from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), adding that the sculpture was a “precious work of art.”

“I condemn the ones who staged this attack. I condemn attacks on sculptures. I believe that the people of Nilüfer will protect their sculptures and works of art,” he added.

Another sculpture made in the symposium in 2011 by Ukrainian artist Gutyrya Vyacheslav called “Adam and Eve” was also defaced.