Volunteer accidentally alters artwork at Keelung Museum of Art

基隆美術館一名志工不慎損壞了藝術品。

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Keelung’s Culture and Tourism Bureau apologized Wednesday after a volunteer accidentally altered an artwork at the Keelung Museum of Art.

The incident occurred Monday during the contemporary art exhibition We Are Me. While patrolling the exhibition, a volunteer attempted to clean the mirrored surface of a sculptural installation by artist Chen Sung-chih (陳松志), mistakenly believing the dust on the work was dirt, according to CNA.

Museum staff intervened immediately, but the artwork could not be fully restored to its original appearance.

Deputy Director Cheng Ting-ching (鄭鼎青) said the bureau promptly contacted Chen and the exhibition’s curatorial team to offer apologies and held emergency discussions on next steps. The bureau is working closely with the artist and consulting with the insurance company regarding potential compensation.

Chen’s installation, created from vintage household items and building materials, reconstructs everyday objects to explore themes of memory, ritual, and transformation. Dust-covered old mirrors and mesh fabrics are integrated with raw panels, symbolizing disappearance and flux, while reflecting on human persistence and change.

The dust that was removed was an intentional part of the work, representing the aesthetics and cultural consciousness of the middle class.

Attorney Tsai Chia-hao (蔡家豪) said whether insurance coverage applies depends on the specific policy. In general, wiping away dust from an artwork may not constitute tangible property damage, which could affect claims.