Fakes & Forgeries Exhibition Celebrates 10 Years with Stunning Artworks and Live Music
The Fakes & Forgeries Exhibition in Mangaweka marked its 10-year anniversary with a grand celebration of stunning artworks and live music. The event, which took place over the Labour weekend, attracted hundreds of people who flocked to enjoy the festivities.
The exhibition showcased a diverse range of art, including knock-off pieces inspired by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, and Karl Maughan. Visitors had the opportunity to view over 80 forged artworks in the adult category, around 200 submissions from local schools, and 11 entries in the 16 and under category. The Village Hall featured the combined schools’ entries, which proved to be a major attraction for the crowd.
Throughout the day, attendees were treated to captivating live performances by talented musicians. Whanganui band Hot Potato, Marton’s Brian Ballie and Dave Woolston, and Taihape Musicians The New Variants provided a delightful ambiance with their music.
Choosing the winners of this year’s exhibition proved to be a challenging task for the organizers. However, Palmerston North’s Graham Christensen stood out with his vibrant interpretation of a Karl Maughan flowers and garden scene oil painting titled Glenburn 2. Christensen’s artwork captivated the judges with its use of colors and attention-grabbing appeal. Other notable winners included Vonnie Sterritt for her piece inspired by Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, Fiona McLeod for her creative twist on Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s work titled Ceramic Tower, Lysha Brennan for her Van Gogh-inspired Sunflower Diffusion, and Joanne Gardner for her Monet-inspired masterpiece Inviting Peace.
In the under 16 category, Gracelyn Murray from Feilding took home the gold for her exceptional interpretation of Sally Trace’s Leaf in Vase.
Overall, the Fakes & Forgeries Exhibition was a resounding success. Visitors from all across New Zealand, as well as two entries from the UK, marveled at the incredible artistry on display. The turnout exceeded expectations, and the weather added an extra touch of magic to the event. Attendees left with smiles on their faces, thoroughly pleased with the artistry and merriment they experienced throughout the day.
The Yellow Church Gallery is now showcasing all the forged artworks until December 3, allowing art enthusiasts to admire the talent and skill behind the replicas. A special closing event will be held, offering live music, drinks, and nibbles for buyers and artists to collect their desired pieces.
Looking ahead, the gallery has exciting plans in store. On November 26, they will host an Andy Warhol screen printing workshop. The pieces created during the workshop will be displayed starting from December 9.
The Fakes & Forgeries Exhibition continues to captivate audiences year after year. Its ability to showcase outstanding replicated artworks while paying tribute to the event’s inspiration, Karl J Sim (aka Goldie), ensures a memorable experience for all art enthusiasts. This year’s anniversary celebration was a testament to the exhibition’s enduring popularity and the talent it continues to foster within the art community.
