Art hackers face trial for 'nuking' weather report
Back in June we told you about Czech artists who hacked a TV station and inserted a nuclear explosion into a live weather report ? their creative way of warning about media manipulation.
Last month, those graphic guerrillas, who call their collective Ztohoven, won a prestigious award from the Czech National Gallery for their video creation, titled "Media Reality."
Now, according to Radio Prague, they may have to use their $18,000 prize money for lawyers: They've been charged with scaremongering and propagating false information.
When, if ever, does art cross the line?
?It?s when an individual?s actions fall into the category of a criminal offence as outlined by this country?s penal code," said State Attorney Du?an Ondr?ček. "The police and the state attorney should investigate such actions, regardless of whether they have some artistic value or significance.?
The head of the National Gallery offered a very different perspective and explained why the merry pranksters were honored:
"This piece ? alongside all of the art the group Ztohoven is making ? is crossing the border from art into something more social," said Milan Kn???k . "The artists are trying to escape from the cage of art, and into real life. They would like to influence their own lives, and other people?s lives.?
The story has gained attention: From the Czech Republic, Aktu?lně; the UK's Guardian and BBC; Germany's Der Spiegel and the Canadian magazine Art Threat, among others.
Trial is set to begin in a month. The group could face up to three years in prison or a big fine, if convicted.
So what exactly does "Ztohoven" mean?
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