Art or Crime? Ilê Sartuzi’s Heist at the British Museum

In an audacious act that blurs the lines between art and crime, Brazilian artist Ilê Sartuzi executed a short-lived heist at the British Museum, stealing a 17th-century coin from its display and depositing it into a donation box. On 18 June, Sartuzi replaced the original 1645 silver coin with a replica during a demonstration by a volunteer guide in Room 68. Capturing the entire event on film, he later showcased the footage as part of his MFA thesis exhibition at Goldsmiths, University of London. The heist, which involved careful planning, misdirection, and a disguise, was executed over two days, with the first attempt thwarted by a volunteer. Sartuzi's actions have sparked controversy and debate, drawing parallels to a recent scandal involving the theft of thousands of items from the museum's collection. The artist, who argues that his actions do not violate museum policies or the Theft Act of 1968, presents his act as a conceptual art piece titled "Sleight of Hand," which explores the themes of trickery, currency, and the historical context of money. Despite the British Museum's disapproval and potential police involvement, Sartuzi's project highlights issues of trust, security, and the legacy of colonialism in major cultural institutions.