Where’s Bieber?
A bullet-riddled painting of Justin Bieber has gone missing, and perhaps stolen, after making its debut at a Toronto International Film Festival event last week.
Viktor Mitic, known for shooting a gun at his paintings, said he was notified early last week that his artwork, appraised at $18,000, is missing from the Campbell House Museum at Queen St. W. and University Ave.
“I got the email and I was like, ‘What the . . .? Was it stolen by Bieber fans or something?’ I almost thought it was a joke,” the Toronto artist said.
He said he had about 10 pieces in the weeklong TIFF exhibit and that he was told on Tuesday that Green, shot up portrait of Justin Bieber was missing, as there was initial confusion about who moved it.
Mitic said he’s been in touch with Campbell House, as well as the coproducers of the event, Aujla Inc. and Mongrel Media, whom he said have been “very helpful.” But as of Saturday, his painting hasn’t been found.
Mitic said he’s “more interested than upset” his artwork disappeared since the event had hundreds of attendees monitored by security. He’s also curious as to how no one noticed it went missing because of the size of the painting, which is 30 by 40 inches.
“I think this is just weird. It’s not the biggest painting but it is quite big, so this person is like a Houdini to have taken it and not been caught.”