Anti-Semitic vandalism of Kapoor sculpture at Versailles


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PARIS (AP) — Anti-Semitic phrases have been spray-painted onto a provocative sculpture by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor in the gardens of the palace of Versailles.

It's the second time the artwork, a 70-meter (230-foot) metallic cavern called "Dirty Corner," has been vandalized. It was spray-painted in June, and targeted again Sunday. France has seen rising concerns about anti-Semitism in recent years.

Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin called the new vandalism "ignominious" and says it shows a "fascist vision of culture." She said in a statement that authorities would pursue the perpetrators.

The sculpture prompted controversy when it was installed, for its style, its incongruity with the traditional glamour of Versailles and because Kaapoor told a French newspaper it suggests "the vagina of the queen (Marie Antoinette)."

It is on display through November.

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