There Are No Fakes

There Are No Fakes is a provocative and harrowing documentary film that explores the ugly underbelly of the art world and delves into the dangerous world of forgery, exploitation, and organized crime. Released in 2019, the film is directed by Jamie Kastner and stars Kevin Hearn, Jonathan Sommer, and Jim White.

Centered around an artwork purchased by Kevin Hearn, best known as the keyboardist for the Barenaked Ladies, There Are No Fakes unravels a tale of alleged forgery that threatens to undermine the legacy of iconic Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau. Hearn’s quest to prove the authenticity of the artwork he purchased pulls him into a convoluted saga that explores the twilight zones of art fraud, challenging the notions of authenticity, identity, and value.

Kevin Hearn acquires a painting by Morrisseau, only to be told by an art dealer that the painting was likely a counterfeit. Disturbed by the allegation, Hearn makes it his mission to verify the authenticity of his acquisition. His efforts to expose the truth initiates a legal battle against the art gallery from where he bought the painting, unleashing a string of astonishing revelations about the darker side of the art industry.

The narrative of There Are No Fakes is constructed much like a thriller, incorporating a complex network of characters, each one more eccentric and deceptive than the last. The film’s title, a stark denial of wrongdoings by the defendants, sets up the perplexing ambiance that engulfs Hearn’s pursuit of truth.

There Are No Fakes takes viewers on a journey through evidence biases, conflicting testimonies, and erratic authentication methodologies. The majority of the film involves a deep-dive into the art world’s procedural cornerstones, which adds depth to the narrative and immerses audiences into the magnitude of the problem at hand. The relentless pursuit exhibited by Hearn and his lawyer, Jonathan Sommer, ultimately uncovers a massive forgery ring with repercussions far greater than any simple art scam.

In their pursuit to establish the truth, Hearn and Sommer come face-to-face with vile operations involved in the creation and sale of counterfeit art. Distressing revelations about the contribution of vulnerable and exploited Indigenous artists allow the film to touch upon the broader themes of colonialism, cultural appropriation, and the commodification of indigenous art.

Ultimately, There Are No Fakes goes beyond being just a tale of art forgery. It paints a grim picture of the socio-economic forces that can drive underprivileged communities into a cycle of exploitation. It’s a disturbing exploration of greed and manipulation in the art world that takes a serious look at the realities that confront Indigenous artists.

Another dimension to the film is the portrayal of Norval Morrisseau himself, known as the "Picasso of the North," whose legacy is being altered and exploited even after his death. The narrative reveals a tangled web around Morrisseau's work and legacy, with different players staking a claim on his art and its authenticity. Such a complex and multi-layered plot contributes to the intrigue and fascination of the film.

Morrisseau's art enraptured Hearn, a renowned musician, who was previously unfamiliar with the world of art fraud. He became a crusader for the truth driven by his unwavering determination to expose the culprits who were benefiting from the exploitation of Morrisseau's legacy. Keen performances and deeply personal interviews featured in There Are No Fakes powerfully capture the emotional toll this battle took on Hearn, adding a profoundly humane layer to this documentary.

At its core, There Are No Fakes questions what authenticity means, both regarding art and individual identity, in tense and intricate ways, sparking conversations about credibility in art, artist autonomy, and the adverse impacts of exploitation.

Jamie Kastner’s unyielding documentary, while engaging audiences in a complex mystery, exposes an alarming domain devoid of any sort of regulation. Kastner paints an unforgettable portrait of a world where greed usurps artistic value, and exploitation is concealed behind a mask of cultural appreciation. The documentary is more than just an exploration of art fraud—it's a searing social critique, spotlighting the need for ethical standards in the art world.

There Are No Fakes is a compelling, thought-provoking film that raises many questions about art, authenticity, and cultural appropriation, all while unraveling a scandal that shakes the art world. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice, Indigenous art, and the inner workings of the art industry. This Canadian docudrama successfully makes a case for the need for justice and protection of Indigenous arts and cultures against the pervasive threat of exploitation.