An art museum in Australia has acknowledged that several paintings believed to be the work of Pablo Picasso were, in fact, fakes following a controversial gender dispute and legal battle.
The controversy began when a man from New South Wales took legal action against the museum after being denied entry to the “Ladies Lounge” exhibition, citing violating the state’s Anti-Discrimination Act. The exhibition, curated by Kirsha Kaechele, featured prominent artworks, including pieces purportedly by Picasso.
The curator, Kirsha Kaechele, initially gained attention for moving these supposed Picassos, which had been on display for more than three years, to a women’s restroom following the court ruling that allowed entry to all genders. However, in a surprising turn, Kaechele revealed in a recent blog post on the museum’s website that the paintings, including a copy of “Luncheon on the Grass, After Manet,” were not authentic Picasso works but were painted by herself.
In her blog post, Kaechele explained her challenges in sourcing genuine Picasso paintings for the exhibition, particularly ones that fit the monochrome theme she envisioned. “I knew of Picasso paintings I could borrow from friends, but none matched the required monochrome and were prohibitively expensive to insure,” Kaechele wrote. She confessed to creating the paintings with the help of her manicurist’s niece, skilled in pen and ink, to achieve the desired effect.
Responses to Kaechele’s revelation varied widely, with some applauding her creativity and audacity, while others criticised the deception as misleading and unprofessional. Art expert Christopher Heathcote denounced the forgery as childish and detrimental to the museum’s reputation, labelling it as attention-seeking rather than a genuine art statement.
The admission of forgery prompted a broader reevaluation of other items displayed in the Ladies’ Lounge. Kaechele disclosed that additional pieces, such as a purported “mink rug” and “precious” jewellery, were also not authentic—a rug made of low-grade polyester and jewellery crafted from plastic.
Expressing regret for the deception, Kaechele concluded her post by apologising to the Picasso Administration, acknowledging the displayed artwork’s misrepresentation.
Business Insider contacted Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art for comment, but responses regarding the incident have not yet been provided.
This incident adds to a series of controversies in the Australian art scene this year. Earlier reports highlighted attempts by Australia’s wealthiest woman, Gina Rinehart, to have an unflattering portrait by Indigenous artist Vincent Namatjira removed from the national gallery. This garnered global attention and sparked discussions on artistic freedom and censorship.
The revelation of fake Pablo Picasso paintings at the Australian Museum underscores ongoing debates about authenticity and transparency in the art world. It raises questions about curators’ and institutions’ responsibilities in presenting and preserving cultural heritage.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of curatorial practices, the value of authenticity in art, and the repercussions of artistic misrepresentation in public exhibitions.