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| A painting drawn by painter Nguyen Dong in January 2018 featuring a Hanoian girl, a copy of which was auctioned in Ha Noi later with a fake signature of noted painter Vu Giang Huong (1930-2011). The case has stirred concerns of fake artworks in domestic and foreign markets. |
Viet Nam News
HA NOI — The first ever centre for examining fine art and photographs was opened on November 6 by the culture ministry’s Department for Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition.
Vi Kien Thanh, director of the department, said the centre was opened after eight months of preparation due to the fact that there have been many convincing imitations of famous artists’ works sold in the country.
“The centre will work as a public service,” Thanh said. “While no other individual or organisation wants to take responsibility to examine art works, the State-run department will do the work for a short time so the fine arts market is transparent. Maybe after a short time, some agency will take on the duty.”
The centre will receive submissions and give feedback within seven days. A contract will be signed, and the centre will issue a report on the authenticity of the works after 15 days.
For cases that require high-tech skills, the centre will ask for support from the Ministry of Public Security’s National Institute of Criminal Sciences. The results may be issued later according to agreements between customers and the centre.
The centre’s examining council includes various prestigious names including painters Luong Xuan Doan and Thanh Chuong, researcher Phan Cam Thuong, sculptors Vuong Hoc Bao and Le Lang Luong and photographer Vu Quoc Khanh.
Customers will pay the council an examination fee that will vary based on the number of works to be inspected. The fee for examining one to three works will be VND35 million (US$1,500), four to 10 works costs VND70 million, 11 to 20 works costs VND140 million and more than 50 costs VND281 million. — VNS
OVietnam