Miami man charged for destroying $1 million Ai Weiwei vase in museum protest

Maximo Caminero, 51, faces criminal mischief charges for breaking a $1 million vase by Ai Weiwei at the Perez Art Museum Miami. According to police, Caminero claimed his act protested the institution's neglect of local artists. The museum is currently hosting the exhibition 'Ai Weiwei: According to What?' through March 16, which includes the artist's work 'Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn'—a piece showing Ai himself destroying an ancient Chinese vessel. Ai Weiwei has clarified that he only destroys his own property and does not endorse artists damaging others' work. The Chinese dissident artist also noted his inability to exhibit in China due to his political status. The incident occurred during the exhibition's run at the Miami museum. Caminero's actions targeted a work valued at approximately £600,000. The BBC reported the charges following the vandalism.