A 19-year-old Australian woman has been charged with property damage after allegedly defacing a public artwork known as the “Blue Blob” by sticking googly eyes onto it. The incident, which occurred in September, sparked widespread discussion in the Mount Gambier community about the fine line between harmless pranks and disrespectful vandalism.
The teenager, identified as Amelia Vanderhorst, appeared via phone at the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court, where she faced a single charge of property damage. She did not enter a plea during the brief hearing, citing illness, and was advised by the magistrate to secure legal representation before her next court appearance in December.
The incident was captured on CCTV, reportedly showing a person affixing artificial eyes to the large blue sculpture located in the city’s public space. The artwork, affectionately nicknamed the “Blue Blob” by locals, has become a notable landmark in the area since its installation. However, the addition of googly eyes, though seemingly playful, caused unintended damage that will require costly repairs.
According to city officials, the adhesives used to attach the stickers could not be removed without harming the sculpture’s painted surface. As a result, the council announced plans to seek compensation for the “significant” restoration expenses. Local authorities emphasized that such actions, while appearing humorous to some, constitute vandalism and undermine the community’s investment in public art.
The Blue Blob sculpture, officially named Cast in Blue, was designed to represent a mythical megafauna inspired by an ancient marsupial anteater once found in the region’s caves. The creature’s depiction is intended to celebrate Mount Gambier’s rich natural history and cultural creativity. When the artwork was first proposed, it generated mixed reactions among residents, with debates centered on its A$136,000 (approximately $89,000) cost and its abstract design.
Despite initial controversy, the sculpture has since become a symbol of the city’s evolving art scene. The recent act of vandalism, however, has reignited public debate about respect for shared spaces and the boundaries of artistic expression. City leaders have reiterated their commitment to preserving public art and ensuring that those responsible for damaging community property are held accountable.
