Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart is once again in the spotlight, this time for displaying forged artworks attributed to Pablo Picasso. Earlier this year, the museum faced backlash for its “Ladies Lounge” installation, which excluded individuals who did not identify as women. The latest controversy reveals that several paintings presented as Picassos were actually fakes.
The forged artworks were created by Kirsha Kaechele, an artist and curator, who is also the wife of Mona’s owner, David Walsh. The deception was uncovered when the Picasso Administration and Guardian Australia raised suspicions, leading to a confession from the museum. Kaechele, who curated the “Ladies Lounge,” defended the exclusive female-audience installation as a commentary on historical gender exclusions. However, a court ruled it discriminatory, resulting in the fake Picassos being moved to a ladies’ toilet cubicle.
In addition to the counterfeit Picassos, Kaechele admitted that other items in the “Ladies Lounge,” such as “antique” spears and a rug allegedly owned by Queen Mary of Denmark, were not genuine. She explained in a blog post that the forgeries were intended to enhance the installation’s opulence, creating an environment where men would feel excluded. Kaechele expressed regret for the deception, apologizing to the Picasso Administration for the trouble caused.
Selena Mattei