Ep 13. Art and Craft

Art and Craft is the thirteenth episode of season 28 of the documentary series POV. This episode explores the story of art forger Mark Landis. Landis is a prolific art forger who has been creating counterfeit and forged paintings and sculptures for over thirty years. What makes Landis different from other art forgers is that he does not sell the works he creates under false pretenses. Instead, he donates them to museums under the guise of being a philanthropic collector.

The episode follows the story of how Landis was caught by the art world and the legal repercussions he faced. Through interviews with people who know Landis and the historical events that have shaped his life, the episode delves into the psyche of a master forger. It asks the audience to consider how we value art and the lengths individuals will go to manipulate their own and others' perceptions of its value.

The episode opens with a collection of talking heads discussing what initially makes people want to become forgers. The general consensus is that it often starts with a love for art, but a lack of resources to acquire it. Landis is then introduced as a prime example of this, as he is shown walking through his cluttered apartment surrounded by paintings and other works of art. He is initially described as a eccentric and a master of his craft who forges well-known works of art with ease.

The episode explores how Landis was able to pass off forgeries as genuine works to small, lesser-known institutions. It wasn't until he donated a work of art to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art that a curator there realized the piece was a fake. The curator contacted an investigative reporter, who in turn contacted the FBI. The episode then brings in the FBI investigator who worked on the case, who discusses the lengths Landis went to in order to forge pieces convincingly. He discusses Landis' extensive research into the history of an artist, down to the specific type of paint they used, to ensure that the forgeries were as close to the original as possible.

Throughout the episode, various people in Landis' life are interviewed. These include family members and friends who discuss his childhood, his hobbies and his personality. Landis is portrayed as somewhat of a loner, with few close friends or family. One interviewee describes him as having a child-like quality, while another describes him as an actor playing a role. The episode strives for some psychological depth, posing questions about Landis' motivations, his drive to create and the nature of his masterful deception.

Towards the end of the episode, Landis is tracked down and brought in for questioning by the FBI. He is shown being interviewed by the FBI investigator who worked on the case. The episode then cuts to various talking heads discussing the legal ramifications of Landis' actions and the impact it has on the art world. One commentator discusses the delicate balance of trust that exists between institutions and collectors. Another talks about the importance of authentication in the art world and how Landis' forgeries serve as reminders of just how difficult it can be to detect false pieces of art.

Overall, Art and Craft is a thought-provoking examination of the life of an art forger. It looks at the value we place on art and the lengths that some individuals are willing to go to for personal gain or recognition. The episode asks the viewer to consider the nature of authenticity, deception, and creative expression. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and the law.