The Week in Prints: 11th – 17th November 2024

The Italian carabinieri uncovered a major forgery network producing counterfeit works by Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso, among others. Over 2,100 fake artworks valued at €200 million (£165 million) were seized across Italy and other European countries. The forgeries included works from Warhol’s and Banksy’s most recognisable series and were even featured in fabricated exhibitions.

This operation highlights the risks of buying art without proper provenance, as these sophisticated fakes could have infiltrated auction houses and private collections undetected. For collectors, this serves as a stark reminder to seek expert verification and work with trusted sources. The incident underscores the importance of organisations like Banksy’s Pest Control Office, which helps protect buyers from forgeries in an increasingly complex market.

Steph Wilson was awarded first place in the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize for her intimate and poignant portrait Sonam, from her Ideal Mother series. This year’s exhibition highlights diverse narratives and features works exploring themes such as ageing sitters and personal connections, offering a window into lives and stories often left untold. The £15,000 prize cements Wilson’s status as a rising star in contemporary photography, while the broader exhibition continues to showcase the power of portraiture to reflect and challenge societal norms.

Renowned British painter Frank Auerbach, a key figure in the School of London, passed away this week at the age of 93. Known for his thickly impastoed portraits and urban landscapes, Auerbach’s work offered a raw, emotional perspective on post-war London.

Throughout his career, Auerbach remained deeply committed to his craft, often reworking canvases for months to achieve his distinctive textures. His passing marks the end of an era for figurative painting in Britain, but his influence on the art world will endure.

Smith and Partner, a London-based art investment firm, is accused of defrauding investors out of $13.8 million (£11 million). Promising substantial returns on “limited edition” art prints, the firm reportedly inflated prices and failed to deliver promised resales. Many investors, lured by high-pressure sales tactics, were left with unsold prints and significant losses.

This case highlights the darker side of speculative art investing. For buyers, it underscores the need to research firms thoroughly and remain cautious of guaranteed high returns. The ongoing trial could set a precedent for addressing fraud in the art market and protecting investors in the future.

Keith Haring’s iconic Luna Luna amusement park drawings will be auctioned at Bonhams this week, coinciding with the park’s revival in New York. The four felt-tip pen drawings, created as blueprints for the park’s banners, feature Haring’s signature motifs, including the radiant baby and barking dog. Estimated to fetch $300,000–$400,000, the works encapsulate the artist’s vision of accessible, public art.

Stay tuned for next week’s roundup of the latest in prints.