By Blessing Nweke
A 20 -year -old woman has been convicted over a graffiti offence after sticking googly eyes onto a well-known public sculpture in South Australia, a case that has drawn both amusement and criticism from the local community.
Amelia Vanderhorst pleaded guilty at Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where she was ordered to pay A$2,000 in compensation and complete 60 hours of community service. The charge stemmed from an incident last September involving the sculpture Cast in Blue, a newly installed artwork that has been informally dubbed the “Blue Blob” by residents.
Her lawyer, Michael Hill, told the court that Vanderhorst had been heavily intoxicated at the time, having consumed MDMA along with approximately three litres of vodka. Originally charged with property damage, the offence was later downgraded to graffiti following discussions with prosecutors.
Hill said Vanderhorst has since taken “meaningful steps” to address the behaviour that led to the incident, including reducing her substance use and working to stabilise her personal life. “She is committed to making better decisions moving forward,” he said.
The case also attracted attention after Vanderhorst briefly launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal costs, citing financial hardship. However, she later cancelled the fundraiser and returned the donations.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin condemned the act, describing it as “wilful damage to a valued public artwork.” She noted that removing the adhesive eyes without harming the sculpture would be difficult and costly.
Unveiled last July at a cost of A$136,000, Cast in Blue was inspired by a prehistoric marsupial anteater and had already sparked mixed reactions over its design and price before the incident.
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