Iceland: Pink geyser artist defends work

Image source, Marco Evaristti

Image caption, Copenhagen-based Marco Evaristti says he'll be challenging his fine in court
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An artist who controversially turned an Icelandic geyser bright pink has defended his work after coming in for criticism.

Marco Evaristti was slapped with a 100,000 Icelandic kronur ($740; 拢490) penalty for dyeing the famous Strokkur geyser using food colouring. The Danish-based Chilean artist has so far refused to pay up, and on Sunday he left Iceland without any objection from the police, . Mr Evaristti says the dye he used to turn the hot spring pink was harmless, and that people's criticism shows their "concern, care and love for nature". It was part of a long-term project which, among other creations, has - and nearby sheep - pink.

The artist has faced a tirade of online hostility over the past few days, with many people accusing him of arrogance and disrespect for Iceland. "All artists choose their canvas, but when it goes so far as to potentially harming natural environments you have to know where to draw the line," on Mr Evaristti's Facebook page. A smaller number defend the artist and criticise the tone of the debate. "I'm embarrassed by the way people talk to you," says one woman, who describes the pink geyser as "beautiful and thought-provoking". She adds: "I wish that people would act this way when some of the BIG companies and governments are truly ruining our nature!"

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