The artwork, which appears to be AI-generated, was snuck into the National Museum of Wales by an artist who has carried out similar stunts
Wales’ national museum has fallen victim to a prank after someone snuck in an unusual piece of art (Image: Alex Seabrook)
Eagle-eyed museum visitors were surprised to notice a rogue ‘painting’ had appeared in one of Wales’ most famous museums. The painting, which appeared inside the National Museum of Wales last Wednesday, was displayed by an illusive artist and supposed to represent “the state of Wales in 2025”.
The artwork, which appears to be AI-generated, depicts a young boy in a Welsh school uniform holding a book with an empty plate on his lap and has since been removed.
A piece of paper next to the painting said it was called “Empty Plate” and by an artist under the name of Elias Marrow. Underneath it said: “Digital print on paper, custom made frame. Limited edition, signed. On loan from the Artist, 2025.” For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here.
Elias Marrow appears to be a secretive artist who leaves secret messages and artwork in different locations.
In July, he left a hidden placard inside Bristol Museum which according to the artist’s website remains on the wall.
On his website he acknowledges the painting inside the National Museum which he placed in the contemporary section of the museum on Wednesday, October 29.
He wrote alongside pictures of the art: “With announcement, Elias Marrow placed a piece inside the National Museum Cardiff, contemporary section. The work, a simple statement meant to be missed, was hanging for hours before notice by staff.
“The work, empty plate, represents the state of Wales in 2025.”
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The artist states on his website that he “does not explain” his artwork.
He added: “They appear without warning. Left like offerings. Sometimes in plain sight, sometimes where meaning puddles.
“No names. No noise. Just the faint hum of a thing being exactly where it shouldn’t be. Photograph if you must. Touch if you dare.”
An Amgueddfa Cymru spokesperson said: “An item was placed without permission on a gallery wall in National Museum Cardiff. We were alerted to this and have removed the item in question.”
The museum also reassured the public that there was no damage to the existing exhibition or to the gallery wall as a result of the artwork being displayed.