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Restoration of $400,000 Painting in Seoul Sparks Debate

A visitor looks at the graffiti artwork of New York-based artist Jon One, Seoul, South Korea, April 2, 2021. Reuters
A visitor looks at the graffiti artwork of New York-based artist Jon One, Seoul, South Korea, April 2, 2021. Reuters
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Restoration of $400,000 Painting in Seoul Sparks Debate

A visitor looks at the graffiti artwork of New York-based artist Jon One, Seoul, South Korea, April 2, 2021. Reuters
A visitor looks at the graffiti artwork of New York-based artist Jon One, Seoul, South Korea, April 2, 2021. Reuters

The US graffiti artist known as JonOne found himself in a very confusing situation. During his participation in an art exhibition in Seoul, one of his artworks was mistakenly defaced, but the company organizing the event refused to compensate him, saying the distortion gave the painting an added value.

According to the German News Agency (dpa), in late March, a young couple accidentally defaced the painting (7×2.3 meters) by adding small smudges of green paint. The couple assumed the painting was a participatory work that visitors can contribute to.

However, the company organizing the exhibition refused the idea of removing the unwanted smudges which distorted the work estimated at over $400,000. "Many social media users said the smudges look like an integral part of the work," said Jiyoon Son, a manager from Seoul-based Content Creators of Culture.

She added that her company is trying to persuade the American graffiti artist John Andrew Perello (known as JonOne) not to restore the painting named "Untitled."

The restoration of the work would cost around 10 million won ($8,900), she noted.

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North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
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North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development.
The recognition follows UNESCO’s stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities.
CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage, SPA reported.
He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability.
He also underscored NCVC’s efforts to preserve the country’s unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030’s sustainable development goals.
Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development.
With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts.

According to SPA, the newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation.
Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.