The Artistic Deception Unveiled

The New Guinean spears that adorned the exhibit were portrayed as ancient relics sourced by the artist’s grandfather during a Pacific expedition, yet they were revealed to be newly crafted. Similarly, the jewelry, purported to be precious heirlooms from the artist’s grandmother, turned out to be made of plastic. A supposedly luxurious mink rug was, in reality, made of low-grade polyester. To top it off, the centerpiece of the exhibit, three Picassos, were exposed as counterfeits, all meticulously forged by the artist and curator, Kirsha Kaechele, to align with the green theme of her installation.

A Controversial Exhibition

The deceptive practices came to light following a series of controversial events surrounding the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania. Kirsha Kaechele initially launched the exhibition “Ladies Lounge” in 2020, intending to create a space exclusively for women to revel in indulgent treats and refined drinks. However, the exhibition faced legal scrutiny when it was deemed discriminatory against men by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Following the ruling, Kaechele adapted her approach, relocating parts of the exhibit, including the alleged Picasso works, to a women’s restroom within the museum. Subsequently, after receiving an inquiry from the Picasso Administration in Paris, Kaechele openly admitted the falsity of the artworks and other items displayed in the original exhibition.

In a reflective blog post on the museum’s website, Kaechele acknowledged the fabrication behind the pieces, emphasizing her initial vision of opulence and exclusivity within the “Ladies Lounge.” The elaborate ruse was an attempt to heighten the sense of exclusion for male visitors, leading to the inclusion of renowned artworks, albeit counterfeit, to enhance the allure of the exhibit.