Fakes, Forgeries and Mysteries January 26, 2011

'Fakes, Forgeries and Mysteries' will highlight some of the mistakes and other discoveries made through the years regarding artist attribution, authenticity and value of works in the DIA's collection. The exhibition will illustrate how the DIA constantly re-assesses artworks through research, science, and technology, revealing an aspect of the museum's work rarely seen by the public. The show includes some 50 paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, drawings and decorative arts from diverse cultures--European, African, American, Asian, Islamic and Ancient Near Eastern. This diversity of objects provides opportunities to explore issues such as who really created a particular work of art, when it was made, if it is real or fake and other research mysteries at the DIA. Visitors will be able to get a peek into the research that occurs behind the scenes through interactive activities and opportunities for discovery. For example, they will be able to undertake their own artwork investigations at a hands-on lab in the exhibition, which will bring the connection between art and science to life.