The University of Oxford is hosting a series of events to spotlight fakes and fraudsters, aligning with April Fools’ Day. The programme involves exhibitions, interactive events, and discussions, aiming to shed light on the complexities of fakery through various perspectives. The initiative is spearheaded by Professor Patricia Kingori of Oxford Population Health’s Ethox Centre, in collaboration with The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH).
"We live in a world where distinguishing real from fake demands increasing energy and attention," asserts Professor Kingori. She further explains the significance of understanding fakers and their tactics to grasp the complexities of fakery and how it impacts our perception of reality.
Among the highlights, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford will feature an exclusive conversation with John Myatt, known for his art forgeries, as part of the April Fakes Day programme. In this session, Myatt will share insights into his motivations and the perceived value of art forgeries. The Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds will address historical medical quackery, while London's Society of Antiquaries will detail infamous Victorian forgeries.
"This exploration puts fakes and fraudsters throughout history under the spotlight," states Professor Kingori. "It examines the ethics of fakery and considers if forgeries, like art, can be valuable in their own right."
The project is part of the Wellcome-funded research, "Fakes, Fabrications and Falsehoods in Global Health." Led by Professor Kingori, this study examines how real and fake intertwine in global health, with attention to the differential perceptions across geographical locations. Professor Kingori's research spans a variety of fakes, from innocuous relics to harmful deepfake videos and misinformation.
The events also feature screenings of classic films such as "Parasite" and "The Third Man" at the Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford, and a discussion on the charisma and appeal of fraudsters led by Professor Kingori and Angela Allen, an original crew member from "The Third Man." At the Pitt Rivers Museum, participants can explore the role of replicas and fakes, and at London’s Society of Antiquaries, the focus will be on the notorious Shadwell forgeries.
"Most people don’t really care if a painting is real or fake, but with education or medicine, authenticity becomes crucial," notes Professor Kingori. The programme encourages reflection on what constitutes reality and truth. For additional details, visit: torch.ox.ac.uk/fakes