Italian artist Graziano Cecchini along with several helpers released over half a million brightly colored plastic balls down Rome's landmark Spanish Steps (Piazza Spagna) on Wednesday.

Cecchini, 54, who gained notoriety by coloring the Trevi Fountain with red dye in late October last year, said the latest spectacle was intended to be a denouncement of current social and political life in Italy.

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Each of the balls, similar to those used in children's playgrounds, represented a lie told by a politician, he said.

Cecchini said the act of protest cost him 20,000 euros ($29,600). He was detained on charges of hooliganism.