Architecture Student Sentenced to 18 Months for Vandalizing £20m Picasso at Tate Modern

Shakeel Massey, a 20-year-old studying architecture, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for vandalizing Pablo Picasso's 1944 artwork Bust of a Woman at Tate Modern in London. This incident took place on 28 December 2019, when Massey broke through the protective glass surrounding the piece, which portrays Picasso's muse Dora Maar in green, created during the Nazi occupation of France. The painting, valued at £20 million, was on long-term loan from a private collection. Before the attack, Massey reportedly wrapped his hand in scarves and used metal padlocks, later claiming to a security guard that it was a 'performance.' He had a note referencing a previous vandalism incident involving a Mark Rothko painting. His lawyer described his actions as 'foolish' and 'immature.' The artwork has not been displayed since the damage occurred, and Tate Modern has not disclosed its current condition.