Ryan McGinley “Zachary” / paint

(On May 7, 2013, unidentified parties used a roller and white paint to damage a large-scale reproduction of this 2010 photograph while it was on view at the White Flag Projects gallery in St. Louis.

The 13-foot banner had been installed outside the gallery to promote “Coconut Water,” a group exhibition in which McGinley was featured.

Gallery representatives opted not to alert police, saying it was McGinley’s wish that the damaged artwork remain in place for the duration of the exhibition.

“I think it says something very different to let it remain there,” explained gallerist Matthew Strauss. “It speaks to something completely different now.”)