On Art 'Vandalism' and Civil Resistance in Museums

Examining modern art vandalism across Europe and North America from 1970 to 2020, this book offers the first comprehensive sociological analysis of this phenomenon.

Drawing on perspectives from directors, curators, security personnel, legal experts, artists, and—uniquely—the vandals themselves, Bessette unravels the complex dynamics of intentional art damage within museum spaces. The study reconceptualizes art vandalism as a form of artistic expression and museums as sites of social contestation by providing insights into the motivations, reactions, and institutional responses surrounding art vandalism.

In doing so, the book illuminates how vandalism challenges traditional notions of art preservation, institutional authority, and cultural value. This enhanced English edition features an additional chapter exploring recent ecological civil resistance actions in museums (2022–2024), providing timely insights into evolving forms of art intervention. An essential reading for students and scholars in art history, museum studies, sociology, cultural politics, and criminology.