David searching for his Soul
Norval Morrisseau
acrylic on canvas, 30" x 50", titled verso in pencil, c. 1979
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Over the years Waddington's have auctioned off a plethora of quality Woodland artworks, including Morrisseaus. Understandably, in the past, Waddington's and other Canadian art venues, have been fooled into moving forgeries as well.
The undeniable truth about Morrisseau fakes has now been publicly accessible for several years. In today's climate, those selling purported Morrisseau paintings without provenance require assurance of authenticity from legitimate sources.
Waddington's know where to look to figure things out. They also know who to contact for confirmation on the authenticity of any purported Morrisseau paintings they may wish to auction off. The public has a cultural investment in this art. Responsible vetting is worth the effort, isn't it?
Perhaps not. Joyner's Waddington's appear intent on auctioning off yet another fake Morrisseau painting on November 25 2011. This painting, dated 1977, is obviously from the Gary Lamont sourced genre of forgeries often dated (though not painted) in the late 1970s. The auctioneers hope to bring in $10-15K for it but I hope that they rethink listing it. Nobody wants to buy a lemon.
After a few minutes training children can spot forgeries from this genre at a glance using flashcards. Why can't Waddington's?
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They should be ashamed. Even if they can wiggle out of liability through listing terms and condition and such.... It takes a tunnel vision business person to think this kind of pretend ignorance won't affect the credibility and brand of the business down the road. By not even vetting such well known problems, it seems to me they are treating their clients with contempt. In the end, the market will react. Auctions houses who sell this stuff without any effort to weed out problematic pieces are biting the hands that feed them. Shame on them. I feel sorry for those who don't know what's going on an buy these things. I wonder if, with all this information in the public domain about these paintings, if there is a liability down the road anyhow? I bet some lawyer could find one.
ReplyDeleteOn October 25, 2011, 10 paintings supposedly by Norval Morrisseau were offered for sale at Lunds Auction in Victoria, B.C. Nine of these paintings were trash. One looks to be authentic. It is interesting to note that these 9 questionable paintings all had black scratchy paint on the back while the one authentic piece had writing in pencil on the back.
ReplyDeleteEight of the nine trashy paintings sold, as well as the one authentic piece. They all sold for considerably less than market value ($800 - $1800) with the one authentic painting receiving the highest bid.
On November 6th 2011 Seahawk Auctions in Vancouver will be holding an auction of native art. A couple of weeks ago they brought me a number of Morrisseau pieces to look at for them. One of the pieces was actually an un-authorized giclee print titled “The Shaman” that had been over painted to look like an original. In fact it was sold to the owner as an original. The authentic version of the painting is in the collection of the Thunder Bay Museum. This piece was withdrawn from the upcoming auction. The three paintings that remain in the Seahawk auction are authentic.
Cheers
Bryant Ross - Coghlan Art
I agree with the above comment and the post as well. I think that the idea of just sweeping the truth underneath the carpet will have certain consequences down the road. It's inevitable that some purchaser will have had enough and do the right about thing and pursue their money back from these shady dealers.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is, these particular dealers/auction houses are attempting to take advantage of a less than action taking public with regard to doing something about it for fear of public ridicule and such. Its the perfect environment for the perfect storm to be brewed with regard to robbing them blind so to speak because of those buying them having no heart to pursue these dealers for their money back which in my opinion, would be a guarantee.
When the market for dealing these forgeries see's that a public can be taken advantage of, it's alot like "opportunity knocks" for the fakes and the fakers. I mean in Canada, who cares right? Ain't much being done about it in the current time frames now is it? No, not much is being done by those who got screwed....Lack of action and lack of support perpetuates the disease now doesn't it.....good article Ritchie. Cheers and be well.......MAJ
And that's how it done! Seahawk runs the art by Bryant and they're good to go.
ReplyDeleteLund's "market value" of $800 to $1800 for eight purported Morrisseau paintings is ridiculously low - yet bang on for the "betting" or (somehow) ignorant buyer. The eight fakes were valued and sold at a mere fraction of the valuation of legitimate Morrisseaus painted in the same medium and size.
This two-tiered Morrisseau market distinctly reveals the fact that everyone in the know, already knows. Those who continue to perpetuate the lower tier are throwing their "hot potatoes" into the ring in the hope that they won't get thrown back.
The right option for fooled collectors is to return them for refunds.
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ReplyDeleteWonder if David is still searching...
ReplyDeleteMaybe those 8 will turn up at the next "make it right" ceremony ?
ReplyDeleteA public burning? or better yet, "the old paper shredder"?
I believe that a small group of Canadian artists have spoken out over the last few years, and as such more people than ever are now aware and buying with a better knowledge of what is real.
Sad that some fakes are still being bought by people who just haven't done the proper research in advance to insure their investment is legitimate. That will always be a reality.
The other irritant being, sellers who have no idea, or just don't care.
Truth is working it's way to the finish line, just wait and see.
Authentic works continue to attract top dollar as seen in the last show/sale by KRG in Toronto. (also a sellout)
ReplyDeleteKRG is currently holding another Morrisseau show and sale. I predict this show too will be a sellout at top prices.
Next years 50th anniversary show and sale by KRG too will be a total sellout.
The only conclusion can be. REAL WORKS ALWAYS SELL FOR TOP DOLLAR.
And garbage sells at pennies on the dollar
ReplyDelete