A museum employee in Munich took matters into his own hands by hanging his own painting among the museum’s modern art collection in a daring move that went unnoticed for an unknown period of time. The employee, a 51-year-old technician, seized the opportunity while helping to install an architecture exhibit on philanthropy at the Pinakothek der Moderne.
The museum spokeswoman, Tine Nehler, revealed that the employee went undetected due to his access to all areas of the building outside of opening hours. However, the ruse was eventually discovered, and the painting was promptly removed from the wall. The museum did not disclose details about the artwork or the worker’s artistic background.
Following the incident, the museum and the employee mutually agreed to part ways, with the worker being banned from returning to his former workplace. Additionally, the police are investigating the employee for property damage due to drilling two small holes in the museum wall to hang his painting.
This incident in Munich echoes a similar discovery in Bonn last October, where an individual hung their own artwork in an exhibition on identity and immigration. Unlike the Munich case, the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn identified the artist as Danai Emmanouilidis and even helped promote the sale of the piece, titled “Georgia,” which ultimately sold for over $4,000 with proceeds donated to charity.
The Pinakothek der Moderne, known for its extensive art collection, including works by renowned artists like Max Beckmann and Pablo Picasso, has now become the center of attention for this unusual art heist. The incident serves as a reminder of the blurred lines between artistry and audacity in the world of museums and galleries.
