Adulation

2014, Oil on Italian Linen, 60 x 50cm

It probably seemed like an innocent peck on the cheek. But the Art Gallery of NSW took a dim view of the visitor who kissed a 19th-century statue of Narcissus with red lipstick, leaving a large stain on its buttock.

Removing lipstick wax from porus marble is apparently quite difficult. Because its not like you can heat it up to soften the wax. And the dye tends to stain. ‘’Vandalised’’ was the word used to describe the kiss. 

But then, maybe the phantom kisser just really likes art. A lot.