Title: Orlando Museum of Art Files Lawsuit Over ‘Fake’ Basquiat Paintings
In a stunning turn of events, the Orlando Museum of Art has taken legal action against its former executive director and others involved in a scheme to profit from the sale of forged Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings. The museum’s reputation suffered greatly as a result, leading to financial losses and probation by the American Alliance of Museums.
The museum recently filed a lawsuit seeking undisclosed damages for fraud, breach of contract, and conspiracy. It alleges that the defendants orchestrated a scheme to deceive the institution and art enthusiasts by selling fake Basquiat paintings as authentic works of art.
Questions about the legitimacy of the artworks arose immediately after their reported discovery in 2012. Art experts noticed inconsistencies in the pieces, including the use of a FedEx typeface that was not even in existence until after Basquiat’s death. These suspicious details raised doubts about the authenticity of the paintings.
Adding fuel to the fire, Thad Mumford, the owner of the storage locker where the art was allegedly found, denied owning any Basquiat art and claimed that the pieces were not present in the unit during his last visit. This contradiction further undermined the credibility of the artwork.
Subsequently, former Los Angeles auctioneer Michael Barzman pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the creation of the counterfeit artwork and falsely attributing it to Basquiat. Barzman’s actions were instrumental in perpetuating the fraud, deceiving art enthusiasts and institutions worldwide.
Even amidst mounting suspicions, the museum’s former CEO, Aaron De Groft, insisted on the legitimacy of the art during its exhibition. This unwavering support from the museum’s top brass led to considerable financial losses as the museum spent hundreds of thousands of dollars exhibiting these fake paintings.
The impact of this scandal has been severe, tarnishing the Orlando Museum of Art’s reputation. The American Alliance of Museums placed the institution on probation, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the need for internal reforms.
As the legal process unfolds, the Orlando Museum of Art is determined to seek justice and restore its credibility. This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and due diligence, not only in the art world but also in the preservation and maintenance of a museum’s reputation.
