by Redazione 28/10/2026

Three hooded men broke into the Rosso20sette gallery, where Laika’s exhibition titled “The Collapse of Democracy – States of Injustice, Chapter 2” is currently on view: the intruders threatened the gallery owner and defaced the artworks. The artist reported the incident on social media.

Three hooded men broke into an art gallery in Rome and damaged all the works on display: the incident took place at Rosso20sette, on Via del Sudario, where “The Collapse of Democracy – States of Injustice, Chapter 2,” an exhibition by artist and street artist Laika, is currently on view. The gallery owner was present at the time of the attack; he was restrained and threatened by the intruders before they defaced the artworks.

Laika herself reported the incident in a post on social media. “Today, a group of hooded men broke into the Rosso20sette art gallery on Via del Sudario, where my exhibition *The Collapse of Democracy* is currently on view. They restrained the gallery owner—to whom I extend my full solidarity—telling him that if he resisted, they would kill him, and then they defaced all the works on display,” the artist wrote. The exhibition features about twenty works, including paintings, works on paper, and installations, created following Laika’s second trip to the United States. The themes addressed are social justice, human rights, anti-racism, and condemnation of the war in Palestine—topics the artist also references in her message following the attack.

Laika described the incident as “a despicable fascist attack,” linking it to what she describes as a climate of social repression and the normalization of ideologies and methods from the past. “An act of violence and censorship intended not only to intimidate me, but anyone who speaks out against wars, the genocide in Gaza, and injustices through art and beyond,” she added, interpreting the break-in as an attack on freedom of expression.

The artist also reported having received threats in the past, so far via social media. The raid on the gallery therefore represents an incident that differs in both method and consequences, as it directly targeted the exhibition space and the artworks, in addition to physically involving the gallery owner.

According to available information, the gallery reportedly has no surveillance cameras inside, while there are cameras on the street. No further details have been provided about those responsible for the attack or any ongoing investigations. In her message, Laika concluded by reaffirming her determination to continue her work.

Rome: Attack at the Laika Exhibition—Gallery Owner Threatened and Artworks Vandalized

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