Artist Pranks Met Museum with Sex Noises, Illegally Hung Artwork
David Sabastian used a stroller and a crayon drawing to protest the perceived absurdity of the Met Gala.
Artist David Sabastian staged a protest at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Sunday, illegally hanging his own artwork and using a hidden Bluetooth speaker to play "sex noises" to distract security. The stunt, intended as a critique of the "absurdity" of the Met Gala, saw the artwork remain in place until at least Monday morning.
Sabastian and an accomplice entered the museum with a stroller containing the speaker. When they reached their desired location, the accomplice played the recorded noises, drawing security's attention. During the distraction, Sabastian affixed his piece, titled "The Met 2028," to an empty spot on a museum wall. The artwork, created with crayons, depicts celebrities on the Met Gala stairs while citizens clash with riot police outside the building.
"A-list celebrities prancing while the world outside the museum gates is collapsing," Sabastian stated, explaining the theme of his work. He described the use of crayons as an intentional choice to enhance the piece's "ridiculousness."
Video footage shared by Sabastian shows museum security examining the artwork after it was hung. He told Page Six that the Met Museum provides a significant platform for raising awareness. Sabastian indicated plans for similar installations in multiple cities, likening himself to Banksy but emphasizing his desire for public recognition.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art had not issued a comment regarding the incident.