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Croatian media criticizes Jan Fabre for barbed wire around his beach villa

Belgian artist Jan Fabre was ordered to remove barbed wire around his vacation home in Croatia following media backlash.

4 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Croatian media criticizes Jan Fabre for barbed wire around his beach villa — Archive photoPhoto: Anonymous Unknown author · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Croatian press has issued sharp criticism of the barbed wire fencing surrounding the beach house of Belgian artist Jan Fabre. Articles in various media describe the decision to use electrified barbed wire as the 'stupidity of an arrogant Belgian.'

Fabre, who is also a choreographer, was ordered by the Croatian government to dismantle the fencing immediately. This followed negative coverage that has placed the artist in an unfavorable light.

According to Fabre, the barbed wire installation was intended to keep goats out, but the situation has led to public outrage. Media criticisms accuse him of insensitivity and arrogance.

The incident took place on the island of Vis, located on the southern coast of Croatia, where Fabre has his vacation home. The controversial decision to electrify the fence has further intensified the backlash.

Fabre's actions are now widely discussed, while the artist himself has responded to the accusations; however, his statements are also under scrutiny from the public and media.

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