One of the most captivating films to emerge last year was the “The Imposter,” a documentary based on the 1997 scandal created by Frédéric Bourdin, a swarthy, brown-eyed 23 year-old Frenchman who conned a Texan family into believing he was their missing fair-haired, blue-eyed teenage son. As a box off ice success, both in the states and abroad, one could assume that there is an international fascination with impersonation and imitation.
And so, armed with the confidence that the public likes the challenge of deception, the Naperville Art League once again asked its members to recreate a piece of famous artwork and submit it for the Seventh Annual “Fabulous Fakes Exhibit.”
The fun begins when artists comply to the request to add their own twist or variation to their work. Last year, Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” was altered to feature the iconic farmer after he had pitched his pitch fork and picked up a large paint brush. Also on display was “The Knuckleheads’ Millenary Shop” where large cheesehead hats rested on head forms, replacing the beautifully hand decorated bonnets that Degas intended in the original “Millenary Shop” on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.
It is hard to say what will be on display at this year’s “Fabulous Fakes,” but one can be assured of finding a little humor, a little mystery and an abundance of creativity at this annual crowd pleaser.
“Fabulous Fakes” is now open and runs through Sat., March 2, at the Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery, 508 N. Center St. The public is invited to the Artists’ Reception from 2PM to 7PM on Sun., Feb. 17. Refreshments will be served.
Gallery hours are noon to 4PM Wednesday through Friday and 10AM to 4PM Saturdays. Admission is free. For more info, call (630) 355-2530 or visit www.napervilleartleague.com.
