Extraordinary story of crime, courtroom drama

AUTHOR: Gabriella Coslovich

PUBLISHER: Melbourne University Press RRP: $32.99

REVIEWER: Mary Ann Elliott

IN the supposedly genteel, affluent world of art, all is not what it seems.

Here is a true story of crime and courtroom drama.

Gabriella Coslovich charts this extraordinary case of alleged art fraud, only the second such case in Victoria in 30 years.

Who would want to fake a painting by renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley? And who was to gain?

The art world had counted on the law to resolve the matter of the three suspect Whiteleys.

The skills of the police, prosecutors and expert witnesses were on trial.

The law demanded proof that a crime had been committed while the art market demanded the opposite; reasonable proof that an artwork was genuine.

Either way, the case seemed unlikely to deter forgers and potential fakers.

Forensic analysis had to be considered alongside art knowledge and connoisseurs.

The truth seemed very elusive despite the testimonials of many witnesses, including the artist’s ex-wife, the colourful Wendy Whiteley.

The nature of the case tested the criminal justice system to the max, with the lawyers well out of their depth.

The judge advised the jury to dismiss the case, but the two defendants, dealer Peter Gant and artist Aman Siddique were found guilty, only to be freed in a subsequent appeal.

After a dogged seven-week trial where the Crown asserted their guilt, in a stunning about-face, the prosecution acquitted them, pulling out at the final hurdle.

All this despite evidence that showed photographs of the fake works being created in Siddique’s workshop.

Wendy Whiteley was rendered “speechless”, unable to comprehend the decision.

She of all people was familiar with Brett’s distinctive style and technique, but was not taken seriously enough, nor was the art fraud forensic unit.

Investigative journalist Coslovich’s account is a compulsive read.

The nature of the case tested the criminal justice system to the max, with the lawyers well out of their depth.