Vandal Who Defaced ‘Blue Blob’ Sculpture with Googly Eyes to Pay Damages

A 20-year-old Mount Gambier woman has been convicted after attaching googly eyes to the Cast in Blue public artwork. Amelia Vanderhorst pleaded guilty to marking graffiti at Mount Gambier Magistrates Court.

The incident and damage

The alteration occurred in September last year. Ms Vanderhorst posted a recording of the act online.

Stickers used on the piece could not be removed without harming its finish. The adhesive removed layers of paint that create the sculpture’s glossy colour.

Court outcome and penalties

Magistrate Kylie Schulz found Ms Vanderhorst guilty and ordered she pay $2,000 in compensation. She must also complete 60 hours of community service.

The council reported it spent nearly $3,000 on repairs. Police had described the defendant as recklessly indifferent to possible damage.

Legal representation and mitigation

Defence lawyer Michael Hill told the court his client was under the influence of MDMA and had consumed about three litres of vodka on the night. He said she was trying to make the sculpture look funny after seeing others do similar things.

Mr Hill described Ms Vanderhorst as remorseful. She has since reduced substance use and was said to be clean from MDMA.

Crowdfunding and earlier hearings

At an earlier hearing by phone, Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos encouraged the defendant to seek legal aid. Instead, Ms Vanderhorst opened a GoFundMe that raised $1,894 for her defence.

The fundraiser has been removed and the donations were returned to contributors. She formally engaged Mr Hill in December and returned to court later that month.

Public reaction and sculpture background

Cast in Blue, often called the Blue Blob, was installed in July last year. Its colour references Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake and its form evokes mythical regional megafauna.

The work has divided opinion among locals. Two weeks after installation, unrelated paint damage was reported but no charges were laid.

Council response

Mayor Lynette Martin said the council would seek costs from whoever caused damage. She described the act as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Council officials noted many community members have embraced the sculpture despite criticism over its appearance and cost.

The case drew significant online and media attention. The vandal defaced the Blue Blob by attaching googly eyes, and the court has ordered her to pay damages.