Artist disputes counterfeit claims of his works
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Artist Lee U-fan
Artist Lee U-fan, who is in the middle of a forgery scandal of his works, reaffirmed his stance that none of the pieces in question are counterfeit.
"An artist can know whether it is mine or not at sight,” the artist, 80, said at a press conference at the Westin Chosun Seoul, Thursday. “The artist's breathing and rhythm are like fingerprints and impossible to copy. My works look simple, so it would stick out if it hadn't passed through my hands."
Lee organized the media event to make his position clear after examining the suspected counterfeits at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Monday and Wednesday.
Scientists of the National Forensic Service judged the 13 paintings ― confiscated from a gallery over suspicion of forgery ― all fake, but the artist rejected the results.
"I could use different paints or brushes, so component analysis cannot tell whether it is mine or not," Lee said.
He repeatedly said "I am the artist himself" throughout the press conference.
Lee said the living artist's opinion should be given priority in authenticating an artwork and the police are putting the cart before the horse.
"It is common sense honored the world over," Lee said. "The police ignored such a process, had the paintings appraised by third parties and even announced the authentication results before I saw them."