Series Featuring the Work of Master Forger John Myatt Premieres March 3
New York, NY – February 12, 2008 – VOOM's Gallery HD, the only high-definition channel devoted to the visual arts, is expanding its 2008 programming slate with a new series, FORGER'S MASTER CLASS. The 10-part series features famous forger John Myatt as he instructs aspiring artists on how to hone their artistic skills to create a forger's masterpiece. FORGER'S MASTER CLASS will make its premiere on VOOM on Monday, March 3 at 8:30pm ET/PT. Gallery HD is one of fifteen VOOM HD networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide.
"We're thrilled to introduce our audience to this brand new series, which not only explores diverse genres of art, but also provides an honest and revealing look at the life and unique craft of a real artist," said Tamar Hacker, Director of Programming and Executive Producer for VOOM's Gallery HD. "This premiere builds on our library of true HD content, which includes series and visual art stories that appeal to and resonate with our viewers."
In each episode of FORGER'S MASTER CLASS, notorious forger John Myatt – known as the man who fooled the international art world with his fake masterpieces – will show three aspiring artists how to create a masterpiece that perfectly replicates the technique and style of one world-renowned artist. Painting projects will vary from landscapes by Cezanne and Hopper, to a portrait by Renoir. After Myatt's lesson and introduction to the master artist, the students attempt to create their own masterpiece in the famous painter's style. They have only one day to complete their painting before Myatt gives his verdict on the "best fake." The series of 10 half-hour episodes premieres Monday, March 3 at 8:30pm ET/PT.
John Myatt is a British artist and convicted forger who, with John Drewe, a British purveyor of art forgeries, perpetrated what has been described as "the biggest art fraud of the 20th Century." Myatt attended art school, and discovered a talent for mimicking other artists' styles, but at first only painted for amusement. In 1985, he gave up a teaching career and attempted to make a living by painting original works in the style of well-known artists. Initially, he was honest about the nature of his paintings, but Drewe, a regular customer, was able to re-sell some of his paintings as genuine works. Myatt eventually became a willing accomplice to Drewe's fraud, and began to paint pictures in the style of masters like Roger Bissiere, Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Matisse, and many others. According to police estimates, Myatt painted about 200 forgeries, 60 of which were recovered. In 1995, he was arrested and quickly confessed, offering to help to convict Drewe. He served four months of a one year prison sentence for conspiracy to defraud. After his release, Myatt continued to paint commissioned portraits and has held exhibitions of his work. He now works alongside law enforcement in helping to expose fraudsters.
About VOOM HD
The VOOM HD networks (www.voom.com) comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition channels for distribution through satellite and cable operators. Produced exclusively in true high-definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound, VOOM HD networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. VOOM HD networks 15 HDTV channels are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network and Cablevision's iO digital cable service. A 24/7 linear VOOM HD channel, is available internationally in 35 countries and is currently distributed in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Building on Rainbow Media Holdings LLC's history of original programming innovation, VOOM HD was developed by Rainbow to meet the growing worldwide demand for quality high-definition programming.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through its IFC Entertainment division, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a theatrical feature film distribution company; IFC First Take/IFC in Theaters, a day and date theatrical feature film/VOD initiative; the IFC Center in New York City; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and IFC Entertainment, which owns and operates a film library. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.