Watch Art & Craft
- 2018
- 42 min
Art & Craft is a documentary film released in 2014, directed by Sam Cullman and Jennifer Grausman. The film is about an art forger named Mark Landis, who has been donating fake art pieces to various museums across the United States for over 30 years. Bill Craft is not in this film. The movie follows Landis as he poses as a wealthy art collector and donates counterfeit paintings to unsuspecting museums throughout the country. Landis has an incredible talent for copying famous paintings and has fooled many experts over the years. However, Landis is not in it for the money or notoriety; instead, he donates these fake pieces as a way to gain recognition and validation for his skills.
The film also highlights the struggles of Matthew Leininger, an art registrar who is trying to bring Landis to justice. Leininger becomes obsessed with Landis's forgeries and spends countless hours researching and investigating his fraudulent activities. In the course of his investigation, Leininger discovers that Landis's actions have had a significant impact on the art world, particularly in terms of museum acquisitions and scholarship.
Throughout the film, Landis's motivations and character are explored in depth. Landis is depicted as a complex and eccentric individual who craves recognition and acceptance, even if it means deceiving others. Despite his fraudulent actions, Landis is also portrayed as sympathetic, and viewers are left to ponder the psychological and ethical implications of his art forgery.
Art & Craft offers an engaging and thought-provoking look into the world of art forgery and raises important questions about the nature of authenticity, originality, and artistic expression. The film is well-researched and expertly crafted, featuring interviews with art experts, museum personnel, and individuals who have been impacted by Landis's forgeries.
In summary, Art & Craft is a compelling and entertaining documentary that offers a unique perspective on the world of art forgery. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the art world or anyone who enjoys a good mystery.