We recently spent an afternoon learning how to ‘fake’ a masterpiece with one of the men responsible for “the biggest art fraud of the 20th century”… on a Nintendo 3DS XL. Yes, we do get up to some curious things. Celebrating the launch of their New Art Academy ‘game’, Nintendo have organised a series of workshops, with both John Myatt – Britain’s most infamous convicted forger – and children’s book illustrator Viviane Schwarz; they also cropped up at this year’s Frieze, keeping oligarch’s children amused whilst mummy and daddy spent millions on empty cans of deodorant no doubt.
So, back to Birmingham, where Myatt was holding an exhibition of his (and other’s) work at the city’s Waterhall Gallery, and where we spent a couple of hours under the artist’s watchful eye. We’re briefly introduced to a tutorial feature on the Japanese brand’s new touchy-feely art programme, and then we’re let loose to attempt our recreation of Myatt’s recreation of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring – he, not surprisingly, has used the hand-held games console to create an impressive reappropriation of a 17th-century masterpiece… we, not surprisingly, fashion something marginally less impressive.
That being said, it’s an immersive two hours, which pass almost too quickly – the console has to be prized out of many hands. Nintendo have created a very real painting experience… layering, mixing colours, multiple brushes, pencils and even a rag… it’s certainly a serious start for kids (of all ages) wanting to learn the basics.
But, don’t just take our word for it, Viviane Schwarz is hosting a workshop tomorrow afternoon at Islington’s Cass Art, whilst on Monday evening, 5th November, Myatt can be found at the same venue. Places are free, but limited – head over here for more information.
1; working through the workshop
2; John Myatt’s 3DS XL drawing of Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring
3; team We Heart’s final attempts
4; Myatt’s version on the left, Davidson’s on the right
Viviane Schwarz
John Myatt’s exhibition at Birmingham’s Waterhall Gallery
