Unraveling the Largest Art Fraud in Global History

March 15, 2024

The Norval Morrisseau Scandal: A Symphony of Forgeries

In an extraordinary saga of deception and discovery, 'Inside the Biggest Art Fraud in History' unfolds the complex layers of a forgery ring that ensnared the legacy of Norval Morrisseau, Canada's luminary Indigenous artist. Spanning decades, the scam involved meticulous forgeries of Morrisseau's distinctive artworks that deceived collectors, galleries, and prestigious institutions worldwide. Spearheaded by an unyielding investigation team, the scam's unraveling unwraps themes of cultural appropriation, the vulnerabilities of the art market, and the spirited fight for justice and recognition of genuine Indigenous artistry. This tale not only chronicles the detective work behind exposing the fraud but also illuminates the broader implications for cultural preservation and the integrity of the art world.

Read the full story here: Inside the Biggest Art Fraud in History

Highlights

• Norval Morrisseau's legacy as the 'Picasso of the North' was tarnished by a far-reaching forgery scheme that fooled collectors and institutions alike.
• Despite Morrisseau's own warnings, the fraudulent sales of his supposed works continued for years, even after his death.
• The scam was eventually exposed by a combination of legal actions from defrauded buyers and meticulous police investigation, leading to significant arrests.
• The widespread distribution of fake Morrisseau paintings highlights both the vulnerabilities in the art market and the systemic issues surrounding the valuation and preservation of Indigenous art.
• The case has sparked broader discussions on authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the responsibilities of auction houses, galleries, and collectors in verifying the provenance of artwork.

The article begins with the testimony of Norval Morrisseau, a prominent Indigenous Canadian artist, who denied authorship of several works attributed to him, marking the start of an investigation into a massive forgery scam. Despite his significant contributions to Canadian and Indigenous art, Morrisseau's later years were plagued by health issues and poverty, phenomena that, combined with his initial disinterest in the commercial aspects of his art, made his legacy vulnerable to exploitation.

As the investigation unfolded, key figures such as John McDermott and Kevin Hearn, victims of the forgery who purchased fake Morrisseau paintings, played crucial roles in uncovering the extent of the scam. Their efforts, alongside those of the police, especially lead investigator Jason Rybak, brought to light the operations of Gary Lamont, David Voss, and others who had been producing and selling forged Morrisseau artworks on a significant scale.

The legal and investigative pursuits revealed alarming details about the forgers' methods and the sheer volume of counterfeit art in circulation. This situation not only affected individual collectors but also cast a shadow over the authenticity of Indigenous art in prestigious institutions, prompting a broader conversation on the need for stricter provenance verification and the ethical responsibilities of those within the art market. The case underscores the cultural and financial harm caused by art forgery, while also highlighting the resilience of communities and individuals affected.

Read the full article here.

Essential Insights

• Norval Morrisseau: A prominent Indigenous Canadian artist, known as the 'Picasso of the North', who became the center of an extensive art forgery scandal.
• Thunder Bay Police: The police force that, along with other investigators, uncovered the extensive forgery scheme involving Morrisseau's artwork.
• John McDermott: A Scottish Canadian singer who took legal action against a gallery for selling him a fraudulent Morrisseau painting.
• Kevin Hearn: Member of the band Barenaked Ladies, who sued a Toronto gallery for selling him a fake Morrisseau painting and helped in the investigation.
• Gary Lamont and David Voss: Identified by investigations as central figures in the production and distribution of forged Morrisseau paintings.