Charges against a 22-year-old art student accused of damaging paintings by Yoko Ono on display at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) were dismissed Monday in Hamilton County Municipal Court.
Police said Jason ''Jake'' Platt damaged five paintings on Oct. 16 by using a red marker to draw lines through them.
He was arrested and charged with vandalism. Mr. Platt maintained that he had no intentions of damaging the paintings, but was making an artistic statement in reaction to a sign in the CAC gallery that read: ''No one can tell you not to touch the art,'' a quote from Ms. Ono.
''It was very clear that he was not trying to damage the art, but was participating as invited to make an art statement,'' said Stephen Dare, 30, of Muncie, Ind., a friend of Mr. Platt.
Mr. Dare came to court with Mr. Platt Monday and said they were shocked when the case was dismissed.
''They called the case right away, and the judge dismissed it,'' Mr. Dare said.
Mr. Platt is a student at Cornish Art Academy in Seattle.
Scott Fogey, lawyer for Mr. Platt, said he was preparing a defense.
''I was surprised it was dismissed,'' he said. ''But I think it is understandable because it was clear that there was no malice intent to harm the art.''
Charles Desmarais, director of CAC, was not pleased with the outcome.
''It is my understanding that this was a criminal act, and we put it in the hands of the authorities,'' Mr. Desmarais said. ''We will act to protect the center's interest and do whatever our insurance company suggests.''
The 1994 painting, titled ''Part Painting-A Circle'' consists of 24 large white canvases with black lines painted across each one suggesting an endless horizon.
Mr. Dare said police told him the paintings were valued at $240,000. A New York conservator is assessing damage.
