#United States #Anaheim #Sir Daniel Winn #Quantum Mechanics #Icarus Within

Masterpieces in a Heist: $2.15 Million Stolen from Sir Daniel Winn

In a shocking turn of events, two monumental sculptures by the illustrious artist Sir Daniel Winn were stolen from a secured venue in Anaheim, California. The theft, which has unparalleled implications for the art world, involves pieces valued at over $2.1 million. Local authorities are currently investigating the incident, which appears to be a meticulously planned act rather than a random crime.

The stolen masterpieces include:

1. Quantum Mechanics Homme - This awe-inspiring life-size sculpture (1/1 edition) is composed of an extraordinary mix of materials, including lucite, bronze, and stainless steel. Towering over 8 feet tall and weighing about 4,000 pounds, it is valued at $1.8 million and had gained considerable visibility due to its feature in the acclaimed short film Creation.

2. Icarus Within - The second stolen work, Icarus Within, made from stainless steel and bronze (1 of 9 editions), also stands at 8 feet and weighs roughly 2,000 pounds, carrying a value of $350,000. Both sculptures were stored temporarily in an Anaheim facility when they were taken.

According to a source closely associated with Sir Daniel Winn, “This does not appear to be a random act—it was clearly calculated.” The use of forklifts in the removal process raises serious questions about the level of planning involved, especially as no other items, tools, or artworks in the vicinity were disturbed. This indicates that the perpetrators were focused solely on these high-value pieces.

This high-profile theft echoes another shocking incident from September 2023, when a 250-pound bronze Buddha statue, valued at $1.5 million, was stolen from the Barakat Gallery in Los Angeles. In that case, only one thief was captured on surveillance footage, employing a dolly and rental vehicle to remove the statue while leaving numerous other valuable items untouched. Both cases highlight the alarming trend of precision-targeted art thefts that present significant challenges for law enforcement.

Sir Daniel Winn, an acclaimed artist, gallery owner, and newly appointed Art Commissioner for John Wayne Airport, has been instrumental in guiding public art programming initiatives. Having journeyed from medical studies at UC Irvine to becoming a celebrated artist, Winn was knighted in 2018 for his humanitarian endeavors. His artistic focus blends elements of fine art, quantum metaphysics, and philosophical narratives.

His recent works have received substantial media attention. In 2022, his award-winning short film Creation, featuring the missing Quantum Mechanics Homme, garnered widespread acclaim. The artist's upcoming film Chrysalis, which stars the renowned Kieu Chinh, recently completed principal photography in Vietnam and is already receiving international press coverage from outlets like Variety.

As media interest surges surrounding this major theft, speculations about the motives behind such a calculated act continue to swirl. Could the heist be an attempt to capitalize on the rising value of Winn's work, or is there something more sinister at play?

FAST FACTS:

• - Total Loss: $2.15 million
• - Stolen Works: Quantum Mechanics Homme and Icarus Within
• - Location: Anaheim, CA (exact site undisclosed)
• - Status: Ongoing investigation by the Anaheim Police Department
• - Victim: Sir Daniel Winn — noted artist, filmmaker, gallery owner, and Art Commissioner

As the investigation unfolds, the art world watches closely, eager for answers in a case that has captivated collectors and art lovers alike.