Islamists Deface John Latham Sculpture in Frankfurt

Three allegedly-Islamist men stole a portion of John Latham’s God is Great (#4) (2005) out of legendary art Frankfurt space Portikus’ current exhibition, according to Germany’s Bild. The work, created one year before the British conceptual artist’s death, consists of a Quran, a Bible, and a Talmud spread across the gallery floor on a field of shattered glass. The work is reportedly worth €150,000.

According to reports, the men entered the exhibition around 5:45pm and began yelling things at Portikus staff such as, “What is this supposed to be?” “What’s the point of this show?” One of the men allegedly then jumped onto Latham’s work, grabbed the Quran, and ran out of Portikus.

The men, who have not been located since the incident, were described as being 25-35 and of North African descent. According to Islamic custom, the Quran is not supposed to be placed on the floor when not in use.

According to the report, Portikus staff posted a sign on the institution’s door on Sunday, noting that it was closed unexpectedly.