Avant-Garde Crossword Art Spells Trouble For Pen-Wielding German Woman, 91

BERLIN — A 91-year-old woman is in trouble with a German museum after taking an art work depicting part of a crossword too literally.

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“Reading-work-piece,” from 1965, was created by avant-garde artist Arthur Koepcke. It features the phrase “Insert Words” and was displayed at Nuremberg’s Neues Museum.

Museum spokesman Eva Martin on Thursday confirmed local media reports that the woman filled in blank spaces with a ballpoint pen, news agency dpa reported. She was visiting Wednesday with a group of senior citizens.

Martin said museum officials believe the work can be restored. Museum chief Eva-Christina Kraus filed a criminal complaint, saying the case had to be reported for insurance reasons though there was no malicious intent. Police said the woman is being investigated for damage to property.

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