Art Book review: "Caveat Emptor" by Ken Perenyi

The Extraordinary Tale of an American Art Forger

by Elissa Watters, guest blogger

"Caveat Emptor" by Ken Perenyi

Yes, Ken Perenyi may be egotistic at times, but doesn’t he have a right to be?  After all, he was able to imitate the styles of some of the most honored artists ever and sell his fakes, claiming them to be antiques, for over 30 years.  “Caveat Emptor” tells the tale of an American art forger who was able to trick some of the top art collectors, dealers and auction houses (Sotheby's and Christie's) of the time into believing that his works were the pieces of famous artists such as Calder, Buttersworth and Heade.  The extent of Ken Perenyi’s knowledge in wood panels and canvases, framing and varnishing coupled with his ability to analyze and imitate other artists’ styles, and his cunning sense of business in the art world are staggering.  Finally, Perenyi’s success at maneuvering an FBI investigation is impressive, albeit a little unsettling.  Read the book and see for yourself, but 30 years, millions of dollars and 312 pages later, Ken Perenyi is an impressive figure. 

Born and raised in New Jersey in the 1950s and 60s, Ken Perenyi’s early life was filled with hardship resulting in part from his lack of formal education, in part from those he befriended, and in part from his career choice.  While working as an amateur artist and restorer, Perenyi discovered his uncanny ability to imitate the styles of other artists.  At first, Perenyi turned to forgery as a quick money-maker in times of desperation, but this hobby later became a full-fledged career.  Perenyi’s early days were spent painting and dealing in New York.  Later, he moved his studio to Florida, shipping his works up to New York and, eventually, oversees to London.  After the FBI investigation, which failed to prove the details that were needed to ensure Perenyi’s arrest (read the book for details!), Perenyi retired from his career of forgery and focused solely on restoration (his side-business until then).  After the statute of limitations had expired, Perenyi decided to write the book “Caveat Emptor” detailing the ins and outs of his extraordinary life of art forgery.

after Martin Johnson Heade

There are numerous accusations against Perenyi; he tells his tale truthfully (and pridefully), admitting lie upon lie and immoral act upon immoral act, yet one cannot help but feel a sense of exhilaration every time he sells another of his forged paintings.  Is it because Perenyi’s struggles, as well as his successes, are acute and painful?  Or perhaps we appreciate Perenyi’s ingenuity and, because he harmed people financially who could “afford” it, in some ways we applaud his feat?  Whatever it is that makes the reader feel empathy for, as well as anger towards, Perenyi is the key to this awesome tale.  We, the readers, judge Perenyi.  Hundreds of forged paintings and an entire FBI investigation later, we judge him.  Yet in the end, as much as we want to blame Perenyi, we know the answer is in the title: Caveat Emptor.  Buyer Beware.

Mentioned in this article @sothebys @Christiesinc @amazon

For absolutely authentic art you can trust, discover original art for sale on @etsy by these artists!

For real @schulmanArt

by Miriam Schulman

Still haven't fallen in love with the perfect artwork, do you love this one?

TREE Wall art, mixed media collage canvas painting 16x20" 

white picket fence, bright chartreuse green, hot pink floral garden

Title: Ghosts at the Garden Gate
Size: 16x20" gallery wrapped canvas, 3/4" profile, sides painted black
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More Tree Art --> http://www.etsy.com/shop/SchulmanArts/search?search_query=tree&search_submit=&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5151455&shopname=SchulmanArts

Review of Art Movie: Film "Pollock"

The Life of the Drip Painting Artist

by Elissa Watters, guest blogger

"Pollock," 2000

If you have never seen the film “Pollock,” directed by Ed Harris and released in 2000, it may be time to rent/stream this incredible film!  “Pollock” tells the at times heartwarming, at times depressing story of Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), a key artist in the abstract expressionist movement and one of the most famous American painters of all times.

In the film, Ed Harris plays the role of the temperamental Pollock, and Marcia Gay Harden plays Lee Krasner, Pollock’s wife.  Both actors are brilliant, realistic and gripping.  In fact, Harden won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and Ed Harris was nominated for Best Actor.

Film still from "Pollock"

Harris, Harden and the rest of the cast bring Pollock’s story to life.  We watch the phases of Pollock’s alcoholism, his search for his unique style (drip painting), his struggle to become known in the art world, and his relationships (e.g. with Lee Krasner and Peggy Guggenheim).

In parts, the film can feel slow, but this pacing seems deliberate, possibly meant to give the viewer a window into Pollock's personal experience.  In the end, you walk away feeling as if you have traveled back to the 1940s and 50s and met Pollock himself.

Mentioned in this article @academyawards

Discover all the artists inspired by Pollock found on @etsy today! 

Inspired by Pollack @schulmanArt

by Miriam Schulman

Looking for an original modern art with drips and style?

Peacock Art, 36x36" Modern Abstract Art

Abstract oversized Peacock Painting Decor HUGE Art 3x3' 36x36" square Olympian Blue, bright Chartreuse green

SchulmanArts

Yayoi Kusama at The Whitney Museum

Polka Dots and More

by Elissa Watters, guest blogger

Lingering Dream, 1949, pigment on paper

The Whitney Museum in New York currently has a wonderful exhibition (ending Sept. 30) on contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.  Tracing Kusama’s career chronologically, the exhibition contains a variety of themes and styles—it is not all polka dots!  Yet all the pieces are infused with a Kusama’s trademark dreaminess which stems from her lifelong hallucinations.  Kusama’s works come alive under the viewer’s gaze.  The ebb and flow of erratic lines, shapes and colors pervade each canvas, creating a movement that engages the viewer, inviting him/her into dialogue.

The exhibition includes not only Kusama’s paintings, sculptures, photographs and multimedia projects, but also dedicates a few rooms to her personal life, displaying photographs of Kusama and letters from Georgia O’Keeffe, for example.  Remnants of the exotic happenings that took place during the middle of Kusama’s career, such as advertisements for her Body Festivals and other projects from the 60s and 70s, are also on display.

Fireflies on the Water, 2002, mirror, plexiglass, lights & water

The Whitney is also showing Kusama’s installation Fireflies on the Water (at The Whitney until Oct. 28), but note that timed tickets are required and can only be reserved at the admission desk on the day of the show.

The exhibition is dynamic and engaging—a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art.

Link to Exhibition:

http://whitney.org/Exhibitions/YayoiKusama

Mentioned in this article @whitneymuseum, @shopliftvintage

spotted on @etsy today-- loads of polka dots! 

Felt Circle Garland by jellybeanstudio	dottyspotsfabrics
Contemporary Modern Abstract painting 24x24	MODhouseDesigns
Oxygen Dots red/white Lipstick/White pillow cover by Alethias	Womens leggings Spray Spot print leggings - S/M Uptightso
Multi-Color Circle Gift Hang Tags  jenuinecrafts	@shopliftvintage