The Cunning Genius Who Fooled The Art World | Conmen Case | Real Crime

[@msdanascully11]

I don't mean to justify crime, but I see these two guys as extremely talented people who exposed how superficial, vain and manipulated the so called legitimate art world is. Of course they did it for their own advantage but honestly, rich people's problem. I am tempted to salute this level of talent.

[@lukycharms9970]

When people see their career as being so above “regular people” they completely deserve to get called out. It’s ok lol, it’s not justifying crime to call out and reveal to everyone how absurdly ridiculous the art world is

[@violinhunter2]

As do I.

[@youdontseeanoldmanhavinatw4904]

Sure but it kinda screws over others who are innocent. That's the main bad part

[@sheldondrake8935]

@@youdontseeanoldmanhavinatw4904 name one. who is screwed over by this who matters, some hyperrich moneyherder pig? oh nooooooooooooo

[@DirtySk8RatStaney]

Oh my hat’s definitely off to these two.

[@stavrosk.2868]

Scamming money from rich idiots is a noble art. Well done!

[@geoffdundee]

Stavros K. ........ a fool and their cash is easily parted........most of the rich fools get their money by scamming too......they have to squander their wealth as quick as it comes in.....i feel sorry for none of them :)

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

It’s not about scamming the rich ,it’s punishing them for having such poor taste for buying garbage “ du jour “

[@toddaulner5393]

You just stated the reason they do not accept that they bought fakes. They do not want to look stupid.

[@toddaulner5393]

​@@user-ke8st8jc1v, so you don't like any art?

[@rexterrocks]

The thing is that the art dealers absolutely loved the art until they found out it wasn't by who they thought, which proves that some art dealers are full of bollocks. Either a painting is good or it isn't irrespective of who painted it.

[@allisonjames2923]

It should be that way, but unfortunately, the art world doesn’t work like that when it comes to a body of work. It’s the artist who becomes valuable (often after they’re dead unfortunately). Every artist paints at least some duds. But a dud from Michelangelo or Da Vinci still has value

[@geoffdundee]

Paul Evans ......all art dealers are crooks artificially inflating prices or having secret (fake) buyers to artificially inflate auction prices,etc.......i feel the same about estate agents...all conmen

[@DanA-st2ed]

there are plenty shirts with 6 on the back. There is only one that Bobby Moore wore when he lifted the world cup.

[@rexterrocks]

@@DanA-st2ed That's very true and makes perfect sense, but the difference with the art dealers/critics is that they go on about the beauty of the actual object itself. They will say how brilliant the brushstrokes are, or the way the light is captured and go into detail about what makes it special, and then when it turns out to be fake they shut up about it.

[@chrsmcfrln]

That’s not how it works. Art as an investment is defined by its providence, not by its aesthetic.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

One case where the criminal is more likeable than the so called " victims ".

[@TheClark1205]

As an artist myself....I applaud this man painting trying to support his family. Yes, the art world is a smelly heap of trash these days and the elite have grabbed it as a money laundering scam for themselves. It's sad.

[@johng4093]

Elite is rather vague. At some point people don't need to take undue risks to accumulate money. More likely those who generate money from criminal activity that need to launder it.

[@Team33Team33]

@@johng4093 Buying "art" and flipping it for massive profit is not BY FAR reserved for the money laundering criminals. Have you ever wondered how the rich get/got rich ? VERY rarely though hard work. Because those who got rich through their own hard work don't waste it on art. Luxury watches and classic cars are now replacing "art" for money laundering. Personally I also give all my support to these men who duped the "art" world and shamed them for what they are.

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

I am agreeing with you 100% ,clients deserve to be tricked just by being stupid to buy garbage.

[@BackTheBlueTillItHappensToYou]

Absolutely fantastic. Any entitled, materialistic p.o.s. that spends more than $100 on a piece of art absolutely deserves to get scammed. Love these guys. Thank you for your service.

[@oldschool1993]

I love stories like these. The art world is just one huge scam in itself, with rich people buying stuff based on the artist's name only, simply in an effort to pay more than some other rich guy.

[@garybowman212]

Why?

[@stephanemami]

Like in the world of fashion, football, pop culture, cuisine, and economy itself, money buying money. Art is just a mirror of society. I don’t see a problem in it.

[@oldschool1993]

@@stephanemami No, society works on a base level and is underpinned by the world of tradesmen, they simply allow a few to indulge their egos and dreams of elitism. Next time your toilet stops working, you'll call a plumber, not an art critic to keep yourself from returning to a Neolithic existence.

[@allisonjames2923]

Don’t forget there are actual artists who pour their hearts & souls into their art. And how is it different to fashion, music, acting, sport, modelling & all the other realms where people make a name for themselves & they & others make $millions off that name.

[@oldschool1993]

@@allisonjames2923 They are all in it for the money. Welcome to planet Earth.

[@roboldx9171]

I just love the way these so called experts keep circling back to the point of Drews IQ, as if that lets them off the hook for a massive display of blatant incompetence. Because of their professional lackness to detail and due diligence, somebodies hanging a fake painting they paid a lot of money for. As for John Matt...Good for him.

[@allisonjames2923]

John Myatt seems like a really nice guy at heart. A conman, but a naive & easily manipulated, nice one.

[@frankblangeard8865]

Many of the art dealers who represented the paintings as genuine probably were suspicious but were willing to go along with the scam because they made money from it.

[@barry5138]

That sums it up, they weren't fooled at all. Just expected the buyer to be foolish

[@toddaulner5393]

The Auction houses are the biggest scammers, making millions for smashing a hammer.

[@marks.7593]

@@barry5138 Exactly. Even if they are quite sure a painting is a fake, they think of the money they can make from it. And they always have a mile-long list of excuses when the forgery is discovered.

[@colinfarren8326]

Harry Enfield, a British comedian, did a sketch show of a man working in an antiques shop in London's West End. Selling utter crap to "savvy" bohemian types at outrageous prices. This reminds me of that. Their crime was to expose the entire Art World as a fraud.

[@DolFunDolhpinVtuber]

Harry and Paul are great. Love the football sketches like the locker room languages and Jose Arrogantio.

[@roscommonman7459]

The shop is called I saw you coming 😂

[@davidjma7226]

The whole of the art world is a bit of a fraud if you look closely. Art Investment, NFTs, art Investment trusts etc. Hardly any of the dealers would lay straight in bed including 'experts' and auctioneers. Full of poodle fakers.

[@blacktoothfox677]

mwah mwah Oh what are theeeese? (picks up wellys) "about two grand" for the pair? "each"

[@MathijnvanderHeijden]

it reminds me bit of beltracchi theres at least one or two documentaries worth seeing about him if u into this stuff:P I think this broadcast only shows one side of it or emphasizes it to much at least.(not gonna go into it to far because it doesnt belong here)

[@jackspring7709]

It doesn't take a cunning genius to fool the art world - it's the only world where you could throw a tomato at a canvas and sell it for millions.

[@Aquariuswonder86]

😂😂

[@toddaulner5393]

But the tomatoes must be aged just right to get a proper splattering. The surface must be prepared to except the tomatoe and retain the right amount of fibers.

[@jackspring7709]

@@toddaulner5393 Lol, thank you! That comment gave me a good laugh in an otherwise annoying day :D

[@LoveGodOutloud]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@LoveGodOutloud]

​@toddaulner😂😂😂😂😂😂5393

[@baronmeduse]

Nice to see art-dealers and 'experts' being outclassed and shown up as the blind leading the blind. when I hear that a 'dealer' (a person who only deals in 'commodities' and jacks up prices) I just smile.

[@heraldeventsandfilms5970]

Typical angry loser attitude.

[@faerienightingale9100]

You can't help but like the artist chap!

[@mohammadmostafaii7535]

I liked the painter, who ended up being an honest painter and (wisely) grabbed the second chance very well. That's the difference between wisdom and intelligence. The convicted guy was far more intelligent , but not wise.

[@julienotsmith7068]

I’m glad Myatt can still paint with a smile. It looks like he was the first person who got conned by Drew.

[@jckdnls9292]

He didn't get conned... Don't be naive

[@nlocnil3602]

All this exposes is how shallow and baseless a lot of the value of art is. It's a rich people problem and the rest of us don't care for their tears

[@cassiereroni]

Well said.

[@SimonSimon-rn3tm]

This is ignorant nonsense.

[@true_crime_official]

😦

[@rosemead1996]

This is a fkn ignorant comment and you should be disgusted in yourself. Of course there are frauds out thereand people with no morals there is EVERYWHERE but art is incredible and takes a lot of time, love, precision and determination. It’s a way of expressing feelings and thoughts without words! Your lack of appreciation and knowledge for art is obscene. There’s always one person like you that’s arrogant and ignorant. Check your facts.

[@HopsinThaGoat]

Lmao this statement is ignorant as hell “hurr durr rich ppl r bAd!”

[@shicruisin7004]

LooooL!!! Love this!! And this is not the 1st or only time the so-called genius art critics have been made to look the ego-driven clueless fools that they are! :'D They don't even need to be fooled by a genius! There have been experiments where they were presented with "priceless works of art by art geniuses," where it turned out the these "geniuses" were, in one instance, an elephant, in another, a 2 yr old baby, scribbling on paper on the kitchen counter, as a distraction to keep him busy while his Mom was cooking the dinner for the family! The so-called highly experienced and -qualified art critics, all gathered in a room, oooh'd and aaaah'd & got very excited that they'd discovered these new mysterious art geniuses! Hahahahaaaaaa! They valued the paintings at millions! It was later revealed to them who the artists actually were! :'D Were they red-faced!! I love that this real genius took them for that fabulous ride! LoooooL! If I had the talent or genius, I'd do exactly the same, just for a really great laugh!!

[@michellephillips3655]

This reminds me of those pompous types that taste 'esquisite' wines and champers and pick the supermarket brand... Pompous idiots indeed.. All the see in Art is money.

[@geoffreypiltz271]

@@michellephillips3655 I was going to post that!

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

These “experts” should be shown the door. To pass on house paint is incredible!!! What about brush work, etc.?!

[@myunknownland9272]

@@QueenBee-gx4rp he explained this too

[@marks.7593]

I remember one story from about 30 years ago. A certain painting was evaluated by art experts who ooohed and aaahed over the brushtrokes, the colors, the composition. Later it was revealed that the painting had been made by fixing a paintbrush to a cow's tail.

[@biebel1963]

The art world has been conned by its own greed. 😏

[@toddaulner5393]

In some cases

[@geoffreypiltz271]

The money men of the art world NEED paintings to make their money. Myatt and Drew were just supplying what the dealers WANTED. Is good art determined solely by the reputation of the artist and not the work itself?

[@gabinelson]

Reading all the comments below: NOBODY feels sorry for the "victims" here. The art world has been shown for all the world to see that they are fools.

[@ulutiu]

The only victim is the art itself. Maybe one in many thousands of artists achieves fame and his work sells for good money and the rest is forgotten.

[@paulcross635]

Crypto currency is the art world for the poor

[@allisonjames2923]

I feel sorry for the victims - well some anyway. It takes a huge amount of work & effort to become an expert in the art field & being conned like that would be so damaging to their reputations & careers. And then there are the people who use art as an investment not just something to sprinkle $millions on. They would have just lost that money. Then there’s the damage done to genuine artists & collectors whose art is called into question because of this. We might not feel sorry for the uber wealthy who won’t miss the money, but the ripple effect would have had a real impact on people who actually work hard or invest money that they would miss. It’s like saying “who cares if people shoplift from a big chain store”. Down the line, there’s always people who suffer as a result. They’re not victimless crimes.

[@em84c]

@@ulutiu ¹1

[@presidentxijinpingspoxdoct9756]

This would make an excellent movie.

[@SimonSimon-rn3tm]

Fascinating story, but the CONSTANT row ("music"?) in the background makes it hard to watch.

[@prestonhanson501]

BTW same goes for the wine world. They had expert wine tasters blindfold tast test cheep wine but put it in expensive bottles. And they were raving about how exquisite it was. Then told it was 2 dollar walmart wine lol

[@sueferris3685]

I've fooled vodka snobs with the same kind of test! They couldn't tell the cheap stuff from their pricier brands. Loved it! I'm a vodka drinker, and I know that once you add a mixer, you really can't tell the difference between brands.

[@prestonhanson501]

@@sueferris3685 and neither can I tell the difference. All tastes the same. Like booze

[@toddaulner5393]

I recently drove a Mercedes AMG SUV and I like my KIA Sorento better than the AMG. Same year and all.

[@johnallright6847]

The buyers were happy, the auction houses were happy,the artist was happy, the document forger was happy,where is the con.

[@tumezedawayaminyoo8727]

Everybody's day in the transactions was happy, happiness everywhere

[@mikejones-go8vz]

Well, that’s a con

[@anAeijingBuffoon]

Expensive overpriced art collecting is scammers passing money between scammers who know each other and have each others backs. Like an oil slick on water, only it’s money, very slippery money. Ripping them off is the ultimate scam.

[@phillipvietri8786]

The critics, who seem to be mostly self-important poseurs, were made fools of by these two men. How have they handled it? By calumniating Myatt and Drew in order to try and redeem their own tattered reputations. But it hasn't worked, has it? No matter what the criminality of Myatt and Drew, they still made fools of the critics, who were the victims of their own pretentiousness. From self-important critics and overbearing "experts", good Lord, deliver us!

[@chuth2768]

John Myatt is one of the most important conceptual artists of the 20th century.

[@USMCasper]

Art is just a way to launder money. I am not saying that there isn't some amazing works. Just that for the most part what they call art is garbage.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

This part! As someone who makes art, it was such a disappointment to realize it's just a way for rich people to launder money. It could be so much more, instead they spend money on the most absurd things and laugh at us plebs as they do it.

[@johnmc3862]

@@TahtahmesDiary lol, They can spend their money non what they want! Who cares!

[@toddaulner5393]

You should see some of the crap new artists put out for good money too! Basically myself I like most art from 150 years old to 500 years ago as they usually put a bunch of effort into it. A I art I'd from the Devil.

[@andrewmacdonald1904]

This may sound slightly perverse but I probably have more respect for Drew, and what he did than I do for a lot of corporate leaders, and politicians. As for the artist, well, he deserves his success and second chance.

[@kerreckt]

I have no problem with art fraud. No one forces the purchase of these pieces. Bless John Myatt.

[@juanitaschlink2028]

@@mohammadmostafaii7535 mate, I'm an artist, I love art fraud. If your stupid enough to fork out thousands on a fraud for clout or a tax dodge, buyer beware. It's only worth what someone pays for it after all. Also mr shouty man, match fixing is rife, if it's an entertaining game, who cares?

[@mohammadmostafaii7535]

@@juanitaschlink2028 You care when you ended up in jail.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

@@juanitaschlink2028 and that's why professional wrestling is still big, it's all show, it's all rigged and scripted but who cares because it's great entertainment...

[@tamarrajames3590]

I love the way the “experts”, in retrospect, instantly denigrate the skill and talent of the forger. When they believed the art to be authentic, these same people waxed poetically on how marvellous the “newly discovered” painting by X artist was, and how exciting it was to have it in public view at long last. Lol🖤🇨🇦

[@clownworld5474]

I hope John Myatt is doing well. He seems like a nice guy really and his arm was twisted somewhat. He's obviously very talented. The real deception and fraud was committed by the other guy

[@garybowman212]

John Myatt is genius. He even outfitted you into believing him. I love the Human Mind.

[@elduder2530]

Disagree, in a way these people are worse because they have a conscious which they ignore

[@orionxtc1119]

Seems John Myatt conned you too... that is they way con men act... they ACT very nice etc to take people in,..

[@clownworld5474]

@@orionxtc1119 yes I'm sure he's pulled multiple cons their his life 😂😂

[@julesarthur4362]

He got a program on the bbc teaching amateurs to copy famous artists works. Was really good only 6 episodes but he's doing good I think.

[@stoicheincat1090]

Love the art gallery type's saying how the guy was just to smart. Meanwhile the painter is just like how the hell did this work? Also love the part where they were like think of the billionares. LOL

[@gilessteve]

If any of the paintings on my walls turned out to be by John Myatt their value would actually _increase._

[@danny-li6io]

I love seeing social and financial elitists getting ghetto winked! It defines poetic justice. 🥳

[@frisbeetarian34]

Art dealers pretending they're wholesome people are my favourite people.

[@morganosborne9258]

Such talent, but also a reminder to listen to your inside voice or your gut. Love the Genuine Fakes. That is a great way for him to channel his talent and acknowledge the ability to stay on the right side of themlaw.

[@BOB-wo2nb]

Funny how the one person who actually looked at the damm painting and not just the crap on the back immediately suspected it. Proof that art authenticators are just a bunch of cronies who couldn't give two sh!ts about art. Kinda makes me nauseous cause I really appreciate nice looking art. I could care less who made it or what it's worth long as it looks pleasing to me.

[@annemiura7767]

The art dealers are arrogant money grubbers who have no understanding or love for painting. As Myatt said, anyone should have been able to see the paintings were fake. All the dealers were looking at were the lables and provenance. Not the artwork.They make millions off the backs of artists by inflating prices and charging huge commissions. That’s what Banksy was trying to say.

[@trickeyt.v96]

Most art experts know more about "fine words" than they know about "fine art ".....!!!

[@Pe6ek]

Just comes to show that it's all an illusion. You gotta love the "experts" scrambling to save face, though 😂

[@brianrichards7006]

This tells you a lot about the "experts" at the major auction houses.

[@geoffdundee]

Brian Richards ....theyre full of BS pretentious idiots..scam artists falsely inflating prices....i love it when theyre exposed..art critics are the same.

[@onefeather2]

This just shows how much these Art experts Don't know, I wonder how many paintings people have bought thinking they are the real one just because these so called experts said they were. I bet there are a lot of fake paintings in peoples houses that are told they are the genuine ones.

[@blacktoothfox677]

Slash has a favourite guitar, a Gibson Les Paul. When it was scanned by Gibson, to create hi signature model, they discovered... It's NOT a Gibson. Hilarious, especially being the iconic guitar that saved the company in the 90's when |Les Pauls were out of vogue.

[@anthonypk7281]

Lots of scams in the art world. Least talked about scam is that anyone calling themself an artist bullshiting about what they have done.

[@cgirl111]

He was caught because of greed. If he had stopped at a set limit and found another scam they would have walked away clean. Scams against an industry can't go on forever, they have to have a closing date.

[@coloneled2080]

I think I might have missed something here, but how was it that no one asked how John Drewe was finding/ acquiring the works of art? Surely somewhat suspicious to turn up two or three times every month for eight years with lost masterpieces?

[@orionxtc1119]

hey I have lots of lost masterpieces... found them in a old cellar.... how much will you give me for each one mate?

[@rehab5355]

Low IQ's with too much Money, I'd say!

[@chappochapman9818]

Even a posh copper is head of the art crime squad, he’d fit in with all the other posh art snobs

[@allisonjames2923]

Interviewing John Drew with an IQ that high, a good memory & a likeable nature, would have been an exceptional challenge. But him deciding to defend himself was an error.

[@mariapilarme]

The art world needs to find real artist as experts. If not this would continue and put the investment on art at risk. You can memorize all you can but if you never done a lithograph it would be hard to explain to others and to understand yourself. Universities contributed to this misshaped. It’s a shame. I am graduate from Art Studio and Art History, I see many teachers shouldn’t never teach. We need to separate the artist from the art historian, there’s two different worlds. One is the executor the other one is the accountant, see it that way!

[@aurorincorporated]

Now that's a proper narcissist, if i ever heard of one... Also, i appreciate the second chance story shown. :)

[@SophyaAgain]

I know they are criminals but still ... I'm smiling.

[@davevansega1771]

I watched this with a smile on face.

[@karphin1]

I like Myatt’s openness, and genuine remorse. Glad he’s able to legitimately sell his work now. Wish him well, and hope he continues to sell his stuff. Dre we is a complex character, and dangerous bc he was so good at fooling people.

[@kimthreadgold2755]

What are museum archives and how did he infiltrate then without being discovered.

[@willshedo]

Beltracchi in Germany did a better job in forging art. He used canvas and paint from the original period when the artist was working, so masterful it even fooled xrays and chemical testing. His ultimate downfall after years and making millions was a sticker on the back of his paintings not fully thought through. Beltracchi also gained popularity after serving his sentence and now everybody is proud to own a real Beltracchi.

[@Prof.Tarfeather]

John Myatt the seller of Fakes is a likeable guy. I'm happy he has been able to move forward and be a successful artist. This goes to show the Art Critics really aren't as "Expert" on their trade as they claim and deserved what they got! The same can be said for wine! Wine should be enjoyed and drank. Not stored for years on shelves. Everything has a shelf-life, ha, ha,, even people. Eventually if not kept at a precise temperature, constantly rotated, wine spoils turning to sludge or vinegar. In either case, undrinkable. Good wine depends on a good years harvest, the mixture of yeast and sugar, the Barrels and Coopers used, when to bottle, where to store the wine, and how long? With differences in the proceedure to white varieties. Note: All of the original vineyards in Europe were destroyed in the 1880's from a root fungus. This fungus also destroyed the California vineyards in the 1980's. So according to experts, there are no "original" plantings from these Old Vineyards. What saved the new grape vines was a Genetically Altered root system created by Agricultural Scientists. You can now purchase a vitamin from this GMO based grape root called Reservatrol! No kidding! I wondered about all the freaks who are eating all natural if they'd take this vitamin? I digress; People should drink wine they like, not what other people tell them to like based on price or popularity. The same thing can be said about Art? If you like something, and You feel good about the picture, then buy it and hang it up where you want to? Or hang up your children's artwork? Which is another scam in the Art Critics Circle regarding a child "prodigy", although I believe children Prodigy is referred to as musicians and mathematical geniuses, at the time the 60 minute segment aired regarding the three year old, and at the time of airing, four year old artist who had gained much popularity and had already had her paintings exhibited in a New York Gallery, some selling for over $24,000.00! They looked like a four year old splattered paint on a canvas. They looked like the crap only a Mother would magnetize to the refrigerator until the next tempura painting came home from pre school, and the next, and so forth as you trashed the first, not wanting to bea hoarder or have so much paper in an attic or garage to cause a spontaneous combustible fire! Anyway, it turned out that during the 60 minute airing the crew had put up hidden camera's to film the child painting? Which took 5 hours! And this was scrutinized by a child prodigy psychologist who claimed the child, Marla was a cute, normal, toddler. No prodigy. In fact, the painting lacked finishing touches the other paintings had. Including her Signature which at the age of 3 when she was signing them were thin not smudged and the R in Marla was backwards everytime? Okay! Later a Documentary was made to redeem the parents but it got worse! Little Marla is filmed asking Dad to help paint, to finish the painting, its his turn now? Etc... And his Business partner, Gallery Dealer, who was pushing the paintings is along with Dad, the Amateur Painter, set this all up. Very sad story. The Galleries And Art Collectors alike paid tens of Thousands for a 4 year olds college education. While her little brother was neglected. The Art Critics went wild buying CRAP!

[@hettybl]

Sometimes the art is knowing when to quit while you're ahead

[@wendyerskine6951]

Such a gracious, talented artist and a very clever man. I can't feel sorry for the rich and the hangers on of the art history world. I can't compare what they did to murder or the royal family stealing from the average, hard working person.

[@thecowfy]

Drew convinced of his own superiority? No, no. The experts, so called where the ones convinced of their's. What a bunch of self important quislings.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

In the high end Art Market rich people buy paintings mostly for bragging rights ("we had a new wing added to the villa to show our Picasso/Matisse/Rothko/Whatever!") and/or an investment hoping the painting will get more on the auction block down the line. For a person who loves art and the work turns out to be a forgery, well who cares? But, if the person's only interest was bragging rights or investment, well tough nuts, dude, ya burnt!! 😆

[@me-cq7wv]

I admire them. They are true ARTISTS.

[@denysgolden]

Nice job! Those "experts" would approve any piece of trash without even looking at it! Why do people spend a lot of money on something ugly and probably fake? There are thousands of good talented artists around us. Why don't people buy what they actually like?

[@christopherjameslee3341]

A con man will tell a lie for long enough and it will eventually become the truth. The art market is no different.

[@sam-fc9ky]

The ‘art’ of the con and politician

[@maryanncanter3655]

He sounds just like Trump, the sociopathic con man!

[@kennylong7281]

If the fakes are that good, why not let them go as authentic? Their existence only enhances the Art Market. I say: Give the collectors, speculators, and dealers what they want: More products to buy and sell! Art is art, no matter who paints it! A good fake, is every bit as valuable as an "original"; especially when it comes to modern, and abstract pieces. These two Johns, did the Art World a big favor!

[@trentriver]

About 120 of Myatt's works are still circulating as genuine, He refuses to divulge where/who has the fakes because he sees no point in it.

[@christoph404]

The artist here, John Myatt, he comes across as a decent likeable guy, in many ways he was conned and duped himself into providing forgeries, seduced if you will, into making some bad decisions to get involved in criminal forgery, yet he never seemed comfortable with it, it went against his true nature I think....glad he is now making an honest living out of his paintings.

[@wayneandrews3128]

Love how you refer to these guys as Art experts. I think I'm more of an expert than these fools are. They exposed themselves in this buy buying these fakes. What a sad pathetic affair. I don't think I'd buy a packet of cigarettes from the likes of Peter Mahun. Art dealer and expert?

[@normasouthwood3182]

I remember a very similar case inbthe North West of England, (Bolton I think.) The guy was making antiques and artwork in his garden shed, using things he bought at B and Q!!! He fooled so called experts at the British Museum and other great institutions. He was helped by his elderly father. Their names escape me but I do remember that they lived in squalor. There was a programme on T.V. about them but I don't remember which channel. (I am getting old, lol.) I would so like to see it again.

[@geoffdundee]

Norma Southwood ..i remember a docu on tv about them - laughed my head off

[@normasouthwood3182]

@@geoffdundee I was more fascinated than amused. What a pair, good for them! Stay safe.

[@normasouthwood3182]

@@geoffdundee I just remembered the name of the forger. He was called Sean Greenhalgh. He seved I think 4years in prison.

[@geoffdundee]

@@normasouthwood3182 ...thanks Norma

[@normasouthwood3182]

@@geoffdundee you're welcome. I found the docu on utube, it's called the Artful Codgers. Sorry I can't send the link, am not computer savvy, but you should find it if you search on utube. Stay safe.

[@urmelausdemeis4743]

beauty always is in the eye of the beholder.... and it always is a matter of price... I personally do not care... nice to look at (not always) but not a must-have (at least for me).... And spending millions for a painting does simply not make sense to me.... especially when there are so many poor people on this planet not knowing how to survive!

[@JustVinnyMusic]

The most successful art forger was a man named Elmyr de Hory, who successfully sold as many as a thousand paintings with hundreds of them probably still hanging in major museums all over the world. He periodically tried to sell his own work, but could never really enjoy much success. People he relied on to sell his forgeries took much of the money, and he wound up a person of interest in many countries and Interpol, retreating to Spain. Clifford Irving wrote his biography and he was the subject of an Orson Welles film "F for Fake." He had an uncanny ability to paint in the style of the masters, and claimed there was no quality difference. He also claimed, however, that he never signed the paintings. Painting in somebody else's style is not illegal; falsifying their signature constitutes a forgery.

[@elizabethbrauer1118]

Wow - this story really brought out the trolls and so much more.

[@em84c]

Yea everyone saying this proves art is elitist bullshit. But conmen can fool people in every industry. Im poor but I love art and going to galleries. Just because these guys can copy an artwork doesn't mean the art is worthless. The artist came up with the whole idea and composition of the painting. There are thousands, or even millions, of people in the world who have the technical skill to just copy it. The hardest part was how they faked the paperwork, giving the art providence. There is a good British show where people have a painting and are trying to get it authenticated.

[@cameronbrown9080]

Good on the man got to give them 10 out of 10

[@joeschmo5181]

I wish I had thought of it......he fooled everyone.

[@ianmoe]

Thanks!

[@rustynailbolt]

I met John Drew in HMP Stockon around 8 years ago. Extremely interesting guy. Was very knowledgeable in mathematics, physics, history and many other subjects. Honestly one of the most interesting people I probably will ever meet. Too bad he wasn’t genuine about who he was. Not that he owed me the truth but it was interesting looking back at our talks together and finding out about all this years on 😂

[@marks.7593]

He would be interesting to talk with. Unfortunately beneath his facade is a man who doesn't know or doesn't like who he really is. He is so busy trying to be someone else he has probably lost a sense of himself.

[@wildyblissjazz]

This is like conning a used car sales man. The only criminals are the "experts"

[@cchavezjr7]

"If you can draw well, you can paint"....That statement is probably even a bigger fraud about art lol

[@2msvalkyrie529]

The trial cost £4 million ! ! One guy served 2 months and the other guy 2 years and got away with a million quid ...Do the Math !

[@Liitebulb]

British sentences. The UK is heaven...

[@stevenmccart5455]

The downfall of almost all criminals...they get greedy

[@donaldknowles9640]

Greedy and jelousy about money

[@marks.7593]

@@donaldknowles9640 And the more success they have in fooling people, the more they think they can get away with. Until one day......

[@schockmaster]

The real scandal to me is the incompetence of the auction houses who get paid fortunes while not being able to spot fakes.

[@bigbulk688]

John Myatt, the painter, is the real winner of this story.

[@noneofyourbizness]

17:12 "The problem was that people were no longer looking at the artwork, they were instead looking at the often very large sums of money that they otherwise would have paid in taxes had they not bought the pieces ! " FTFY YW

[@HO-bndk]

35:35 Folding over the corners of pages in books is a heinous crime all on its own!

[@johnniethepom2905]

I also thought that . A year for the forgeries and two years for crimes against books would have been fair .

[@anrit5972]

The real scam was the 4 million pounds the trial cost.

[@therealdeal3672]

People want to pretend that the only victims are the rich. But actually by gaining access to the provenance and creating realistic but fraudulent backup documentation the crime extends to historic documentation not just historic proportions. So it's an intellectual crime against the intellectual property of the forged artists. It's a crime against the trust that can be held in documentation and the provenance of items that truly are of value because of their special uniqueness. People can assail the art world all they want but it has value beyond the financial. It has historic and cultural value that should be respected.

[@HO-bndk]

Yes, that's where he went too far.

[@CornbreadOracle]

This reminds me a bit of Mark Landis, the lonely eccentric guy who donated fake painting to museums. He liked the attention they gave him. When it all blew up he walked away Scot-free because he never took a dime. But he accidentally exposed the art world for the ridiculous scam it is.

[@thecatalunya1]

it reminds me of when my wife and i mved into an empty house and needed something on the wall never painted in my life i bought a canvas some house paint went in the cellar threw some paint house paint by the way all over scratched it around a little with some garden tools and my new neighbor liiked at it and wanted to buy it as she could see all the pain i was gong through when i created this and told me it was wonderful and a load more arty farty talk so she convinced me to sell it to her for 2 hundred pounds ...next few days painted another cost me about 10 pounds with old emulsion paint took about 15 mins to creat this masterpiece...

[@JeepTeriyaki]

Most paintings and sculptures these people consider art is garbage! People look at picaso's work in the same light as giving a 5 year old crayons and having them scribble nonsense. Absolute garbage!

[@wombatlittle1]

You are very much incorrect

[@MDavis1990]

This taps in to the perception that is marketing. It’s a ploy, same as any brand or make of wine/clothing/cars etc. people see the bullshit and go for it. They exploited peoples greed, lust and egotistical nature. I say well done. We’ve all walked in a Gucci, marks and Spencer’s or a top class hotel and just thought, I can get this same stuff in primark, Lidl and travel lodge for 1/10th of the price without the badge - simple as that. Keep up the good work gents I say 👍

[@manvieduprogrammes5682]

"Con expert" sounds like he's a conman himself! Funny indeed!🤣🤣

[@PablaMMoore]

John Drewe is a narcissist. He fits the profile of a narcissist to the "T". He is a master manipulator, profitted from it and enjoyed it while it lasted.

[@dr.leftfield9566]

Drew in La La land um.... and a Turner prize for a light being switched on and off isn't.

[@timothykangethe7700]

Reverse Serendipity...Glad things worked out for John Myatt following his gallery exhibition 👏

[@HO-bndk]

He could do a good sponsorship deal with Dulux too.

[@timothykangethe7700]

@@HO-bndk Well said 👏

[@seethevolcane]

Excellent doc.

[@nolamcgrath6036]

🤔mm maybe I watch 2 much KZbin but I've seen this 1. It's good I'll watch again ! 🤣🐨🇦🇺

[@crimencrochet]

Please can you lower the volume your 'Veely' ad plays at? It's double the volume of your actual content!

[@pink1433]

Maybe it is just me but every time they show one of the pictures of John Drewe, I am struck with how much he looks like Geoffrey Rush in The Best Offer.

[@johnniethepom2905]

I thought I saw Bamber Gascoigne as the art expert .

[@Crossword131]

This whole show seems set up to vilify Drewe and vindicate Myatt.

[@monicatindercosmos]

Loved this; lucky enough to get a second chance.

[@rayericphillips]

America chose a few artists from Paris France to bring over their paintings to America in the 20s and most Americans laughed at this strange art but before long and over time the art market generated an interest and made a lot of money. At the time there were about a thousand artists in Paris but only a handful became known. The modern art market was raking in the money for Christies and Southerbies in Manhattan and still does. Manky old sun flowers sold for £20,000,000 and Dr Gatchet went for £80, 000,00 but evidence suggests the sunflower painting was a fraud but of course the Japanese owner won't allow a check on the painting and certainly not Christies. John Myatt is an excellent artist that now sells legit copies and comes from my home town.