Climate protesters arrested after gluing themselves to Picasso painting at Melbourne gallery

Two Extinction Rebellion protesters have been arrested at a Melbourne gallery after gluing themselves to a Picasso painting.

Two climate protesters have been arrested after gluing their hands to a Picasso painting at a Victorian gallery during a demonstration broadcast live on social media.

Victorian Police were called to the National Gallery of Victoria about 12.40pm on Sunday after two protesters glued themselves to Picasso’s “Massacre in Korea”, which was being exhibited as part of The Picasso Century program.

“A 49-year-old NSW woman and a 59-year-old Footscray man were removed from the painting just after 2pm,” Victorian Police said in a statement.

“The pair and a 49-year-old Williamstown man have been arrested and are assisting police with their enquiries.”

Environmentalist movement Extinction Rebellion claimed responsibility for the protest in a video posted to Facebook.

Protesters glued themselves to a Picasso at the National Gallery of Victoria on Sunday. Picture: Supplied.

Extinction Rebellion claimed responsibility for the protest. Picture: Supplied

The video showed two protesters unfurling a flag saying “Climate Chaos = War + Famine”.

“We are in a climate, ecological crisis,” a female protester says with her left hand stuck to the painting.

I'm at the Picasso exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria and just as I'm about to go up to his Weeping Woman (1937) some Extinction Rebellion protestors have begun yelling slogans and attached themselves to a painting in the next room! pic.twitter.com/zTnRYbuU8P

— Paul Hartyánszky (@PaulHartyanszky) October 9, 2022

Videos posted on social media showed the protesters yelling slogans as security asked people to move out of the gallery.

“We are at the National Gallery of Victoria at the Picasso Century exhibition,” Extinction Rebellion said.

“Two Rebels have glued on to the glass of Picasso’s ‘Massacre in Korea’.

“This painting shows the horrors of war. Climate breakdown will mean an increase in conflict around the world. Now is the time for everyone and all institutions to stand up for action!”