Metal thieves steal sculptures in Tampere, Finland, prompting community discussions on public art

Last October, metal thieves in Tampere stole not only parts of a monument dedicated to the writer Lauri Viita, but also a bronze sculpture commemorating the artist Pertti Mäkinen. The piece, titled “Betonimyllystä runon siivet,” had stood on Viita’s home hill since 1991. Initially, it seemed the damaged artwork might be restored; however, negotiations concluded that this would not take place.

The theft involved two men, who were later apprehended. Their scheme also uncovered the theft of another sculpture, “Kurjet,” by artist Armas Hutri from Lappeenranta. The thieves aimed to gather scrap metal but ended up destroying three art pieces. Police described the incident as a “celebration of a stupid crime.”

While some believed a poetic description of the incident could have complemented an informational sign near the damaged sculpture, the idea was ultimately not pursued. The piece was documented and completely removed due to copyright laws, which state that an artist’s work cannot be altered or renamed without permission.

According to Selma Green, director of the Tampere Art Museum, the vandalized sculpture was so severely damaged that it could no longer be considered the same work of art. The removal of the bronze elements means the artwork ceases to exist, returning instead to its original material form. Any remaining granite parts might be reused in the city, ensuring no association with the original artwork remains.

Despite the destruction, the unusual life cycle of the sculpture serves as a poignant reminder of mortality, as noted by Mäkinen. Green expressed regret over the loss, although the incident has sparked valuable community discussions emphasizing the importance of public art.