Art News: Jackson Pollock Frauds, Rockwell Sells for $1.6 Million, Banksy Art Restored

The art world is full of fascinating exhibitions, intriguing discoveries, and moments that shape history. Here are some of the latest news items making art headlines.

IFAR Uncovers Jackson Pollock Scam

A visitor to the Museum of Modern Art admires “One:
Number 31″ by Jackson Pollock (Photo courtesy of Gary Denham)

The International Foundation for Art Research discovered a forgery scam involving artwork said to be by Abstract Expressionist Jackson Pollock.

The Art Newspaper reports the scandal was uncovered when three different collectors brought in works allegedly by Pollock for authentication. All of the works surfaced in 2013 and are said to have belonged to the collection of James Brennerman, who the International Foundation for Art Research claims is a fictitious identity.

When the International Foundation for Art Research tested the paintings they found materials Pollock didn’t use to create his works, such as acrylic paint. The art organization is aware of at least 10 other fakes, but fears there may be more.

According to International Foundation for Art Research Executive Director Sharon Flescher, the scam is targeting modest collectors and less-experienced buyers.

Re-Discovered Rockwell Painting Sells for $1.6 Million

“Tough Call” study by Norman Rockwell (Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions)

A unique painting by Norman Rockwell, said to be a preliminary study for his famous “Tough Call” painting, has sold for $1.6 million.

In a story printed in the Tuscaloosa News, “Tough Call” is said to be Rockwell’s most famous baseball-themed image. The painting depicts three umpires pondering whether to call a game due to rain.

Heritage Auctions sold the painting on August 20 to a buyer who wished to remain anonymous.

The final painting of “Tough Call” resides in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

London Developer Restores Hidden Banksy Art

A damaged version of Banksy’s “Snorting Copper.” (Photo by eddiedangerous)

Despite being covered by a layer of paint, a work by mysterious graffiti artist Banksy has been restored by a London developer.

According to the New York Times, property developer Jonathan Ellis purchased a site where a stencil painting by Bansky was reportedly hidden under a layer of paint. Ellis discovered a section of white-painted bricks marked with numbers on a wall, so he had the section of wall removed and sent to Fine Art Restoration Company in Carlisle, England.

After months of correspondence, the painting was uncovered and restored. The artwork, “Snorting Copper,” stands at three feet fall and seven feet wide. The painting has not been confirmed by Banksy’s authentication service, though a spokeswoman for Bansky stated there had been a work of art at the location. Ellis says he doesn’t intend on profiting from the artwork, having declined proposals from buyers.

For more art news, follow Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.