The Jordan Harbinger Show 282: Ken Perenyi | The Secret Life of an American Art Forger
Nov 26, 2019
Ken Perenyi, a former art forger, reveals his astonishing journey from a disinterested teenager to a master of deception. He details how a trip to The Met ignited his passion for the art scene of the '60s and '70s. Ken shares the meticulous techniques he used to make forgeries look centuries old, some materials he employed, and the thrill of navigating the dangerous underbelly of the art world, including brushes with the mafia and the FBI. Now a legitimate artist, he provides insight into the ambiguous realities of the auction house market.
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The State of Art Forgery
- Art forgery remains prevalent, particularly in the contemporary and modern art markets.
- Perenyi's specialization in period paintings, requiring aging and cracking techniques, sets him apart.
From Delinquent to Art Forger
- Ken Perenyi, a former art forger, was an academically disinclined teenager with no initial interest in art.
- A chance encounter with artists in Fort Lee, New Jersey, immersed him in the 1960s New York art scene.
Learning the Anatomy of Antiques
- Perenyi worked at an art restoration studio, gaining invaluable knowledge about the anatomy of antique paintings.
- This experience provided crucial insights into canvases, stretchers, frames, and the aging process of genuine artworks.
