“Oh, the selfies you’ll make…” so began the Los Angeles Times article describing a new art installation at The 14th Factory in Los Angeles.
Little did they know that a woman following their advice would end up causing $200,000 worth of damage. The unnamed woman can be seen in the upper right-hand corner of this YouTube video, crouching down to take a selfie. Somehow, she loses her balance, stumbles backwards, and sets of a domino-like chain reaction that takes out an entire row of sculptures. A very upset man, who probably works at the gallery, then runs in and… well seems to have no idea what to do.
That installation is (was?) called Hypercaine, and it consists of crown-like objects placed on pedestals. It’s a collaborative piece consisting of work from various artist.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWhfGxDAL7G/?taken-at=1159567294163077
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWiHVfvBd5s/?taken-at=1159567294163077
Gloria Yu, one of the artist involved told Hyperallergic that the damage was extensive. “Three sculptures were permanently damaged and others to varying degrees. The approximate cost of damage is $200,000.”
A pretty hefty price for taking a selfie. Luckily art at this level is usually insured, so it’s unlikely the woman taking the picture will suffer anything more than embarrassment.
It’s worth noting that Hypercaine is actually only one exhibit in a much larger exhibition that consist of multiple rooms full of immersive art, all of which looks ripe for racking up some likes on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWgZ58wBA6R/?taken-at=1159567294163077
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWaFWb-gh44/?taken-at=1159567294163077
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWiFXRylDaw/?taken-at=1159567294163077
If you’re in the Los Angeles area there’s still time to check out the show and photographs are still encouraged. Just make sure to look behind you.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWiMi8QjFJJ/?taken-at=1159567294163077
H/T Gizmodo