From Screen to Paper: ‘Made You Look’ Art Scandal Documentary to be adapted into a book

From Screen to Paper: ‘Made You Look’ Art Scandal Documentary to be adapted into a book

The Scandal That Rocked the Art World

The infamous Netflix documentary, ‘Made You Look’, is soon to be adapted into a book, promising to delve even deeper into the notorious Knoedler Gallery art scandal. This scandal, recognized as the largest art fraud in American history, took place on the bustling stage of New York’s art scene. The gallery, once owned by Michael Hammer, sold roughly $80 million worth of counterfeit paintings. These paintings were alleged to be the creations of notable artists such as Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock. However, the truth later surfaced that these works were in reality the efforts of a master forger and a math professor, operating from a garage in Queens. The FBI eventually exposed the scandal in 2011, leading to the closure of the gallery.

From Documentary to Book

Barry Avrich, the director of the ‘Made You Look’ series, has taken up the task of converting this intriguing story into a book. The book, which is slated to be released in 2025 by Post Hill Press, promises to delve deeper into this scandal. It aims to bring to light new evidence and inside stories about the peculiar art dealer, master forger, and con artists involved in this intricate web of art fraud. Avrich is confident that the story’s numerous twists and turns will captivate book lovers, stating, “Audiences crave crime stories. Readers will be engrossed by all the twists and turns of one of the most bizarre and thrilling frauds the world has ever come across.”

More Than Just a Book

Alongside the book, a feature film based on the same story is currently under development, signaling that the interest in this remarkable story is far from waning. The original documentary, released in 2020, continues to receive positive reviews from viewers worldwide, who are captivated by the unique blend of art and crime. These impending adaptations of ‘Made You Look’ allow for further exploration of this singular crime story. They also serve to highlight the stark contrast between the hefty profits raked in by art galleries and the often modest earnings of the artists themselves.