Protest artist arrested after setting fire to Paris Bank
- Text by Niall Flynn
![Protest artist arrested after setting fire to Paris Bank](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Pyotr-Pavlensky-Seam-2012-copy_2023-03-27-092837_xeve.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
The Russian protest artist Petr Pavlensky has been arrested after setting fire to the Banque de France in Paris.
The blaze, started during the early hours of Monday morning, was part of a protest performance in response to the “economic system in Europe.” In a statement, Pavlensky – who has been residing in France after fleeing Moscow in January – called for a “great French revolution” in order to bring down the financial system, denouncing the “bankers (who) took the place of the monarchs.”
“The Bastille was destroyed by the rebels,” the artist said in a statement. “The people destroyed her as a symbol of tyranny and power. On the same place, a new home of slavery was built… The Bank of France has taken the place of the Bastille, the bankers have taken the place of the monarchs… The rebirth of the French Revolution will set off the fire of worldwide revolution.”
![Petr Pavlensky in front of the Banque De France](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Petr-Pavlensky-2.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Petr Pavlensky in front of the Banque De France
The 33-year-old artist first gained notoriety in 2012 after sewing his mouth shut in protest against the incarceration of activist punk group Pussy Riot. Subsequent performances have seen him wrap himself in barbed wire, nail his scrotum to Red Square in Moscow and slice off his earlobe while sitting naked on the roof of the infamous Serbsky Center. He left Moscow for Paris at the beginning of 2017 after he and his partner Oksana Shalygina were accused of sexual assault – an allegation he denies.
The first ever exhibition of Pavlensky’s work is set to run at the Saatchi from 16th November – 31st December 2017, as part of Art Riot: Post Soviet Actionism at the Saatchi gallery.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
![Autism cannot be cured — stop trying](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/shutterstock_2322534063.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.
Written by: Jodie Hare
![Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Hashem-Shakeri-from-the-series-_Staring-into-the-Abyss_.-%C2%A9-Hashem-Shakeri.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke
![Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/web-Eyanna-has-always-been-Maliks-primary-caregiver.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/7_ULTRAMAGNETIC-MCS_NYC-1990.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen
![In photos: the dogs of Dogtown](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/saguy_dogtown_02_RGB.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
In photos: the dogs of Dogtown
A new photobook documents Venice Beach’s four legged friends and their colourful cast of owners.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![Inside the battle to stop coal](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/DSC00173.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Inside the battle to stop coal
As the legal challenge against Britain’s first deep coal mine in 30 years reaches the High court, we talk to activists at the centre of the fight to stop it.
Written by: Ben Smoke