Kirsha Kaechele : Picassos Spark Gender War at Aussie Gallery – Curator Claims Ownership

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A recent art exhibition at a museum in Tasmania has been at the center of a scandal involving forged artworks purportedly created by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso. The controversy began when the curator of the exhibition, Kirsha Kaechele, confessed to painting the works herself, sparking international headlines and legal disputes.

Fake Picasso Paintings Unveiled

Kaechele admitted to creating the fake paintings after questions arose regarding their authenticity from both a reporter and the Picasso Administration in France. The artworks had been on display for over three years before their true origin was revealed, despite one of them being mistakenly hung upside down.

Women-Only Exhibition

The exhibition, initially intended for women visitors only, aimed to create a space where women could celebrate their presence and challenge historical exclusions from male-dominated spaces. The so-called Ladies Lounge featured extravagant amenities like high tea, massages, and champagne served by male butlers.

Legal Battle and Controversy

The exhibition faced legal challenges when a male gallery patron filed a complaint against the museum for barring men from entering the Ladies Lounge. The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled that the exhibition was discriminatory and ordered the museum to allow men entry.

Exploiting a Legal Loophole

To continue excluding men from the exhibition, Kaechele converted the space into a women’s restroom, exploiting a legal loophole. This move garnered international attention, with some questioning the authenticity of the artworks displayed in a public restroom.

Confession and Fallout

Following inquiries about the authenticity of the works, Kaechele confessed to creating them herself and provided insights into the elaborate backstory she had fabricated for the paintings. The Picasso Administration, responsible for managing Picasso’s estate, is yet to comment on the revelation.

Conclusion

The art forgery scandal at the Tasmanian museum has brought to light the complexities of authenticity and representation in the art world. The controversy surrounding the fake Picasso paintings serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of due diligence and scrutiny in the art industry.