For some reason, there is a brisk trade in Donald Roller Wilson knock-offs. Someone in China is pumping them out in goodly numbers. A friend of mine has one. At first we thought it was a genuine Roller, but now we're nearly 100% sure it isn't.
Here are a bunch up for sale on ebay.
via PCL Linkdump
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Donald Roller Wilson knock-offs
6 comments:
I almost purchased one of these for sale in a store priced at $575 less 50%. WOW!! Now all I need to do is find a "Dress Cat". I love DRW's work and own the coffee table book.
Hi there, Anon.!
Other than the obvious difference in style, one way to spot a Roller knock-off is that they don't have the text in the frame like most of his paintings.
Still, the one my friend has is one of the closest to authentic I have seen.
Aside from not having accompanying poetic text (which I love almost as much as DRW's paintings), there is no poetry in the knockoff paintings themselves.
Much of the art from China is rich in Yin ie., they're good realists with good technique, but where's their Yang? (Hey! Get your own Yang!!)
Hi Theresa, it's a pleasure to hear from you!
I can't know for sure, but I think their Yang might be in their Ching, as in "Cha-Ching"! ;p
One thing I take away from this is learning that I can tell the difference. This is encouraging, as I consider myself somewhat behind in my art knowledge, even though I have been enjoying DRW's work for a good while.
Many of these knock-offs do show promising talent. This is probably what they do to pay the bills while they pursue their art.
WELL, FOKES, THIS HAPPENS TO BE THE MAN, HIZBADSEF...THIS IS ROLLER. AND, THESE KNOCK-OFFS ARE REALLY A ROYAL PAIN IN THE YOU KNOW WHAT. I HAVE SPENT MANY BIG BUCKS TO BECOME FULLY COPYRIGHTED (WHICH I AM - LIBRARY OF CONGRESS)...BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS: TRYING TO PREVENT THE CHINESE FROM DOING WHAT THEY DO IS SIMILAR TO TRYING TO CAP THE TAX RATE. AND, SUING EBAY FOR SELLING FORGERIES? MIGHT AS WELL SUE AN OIL SLICK. ONE THING, EVERYTHING I DO IS VERY VERY NEATLY AND CAREFULLY SIGNED, DONALD ROLLER WILSON FOLLOWED BY THE YEAR AND A NUMBER. EX: DONALD ROLLER WILSON 2001/19. IF WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT SIGNED AS SUCH...IT AIN'T REAL. HOPE THAT HEPS YA. IT SURE DON'T HEP ME! IN THE MEANTIME, YOU NEED A GOOD USED REFRIGERATOR? ROLLER
Ah, Mr. Wilson, it is indeed an honor!
I've often wondered what you thought about all this business.
I can't remember seeing any artist being knocked-off quite as much as you. It's remarkable.
I will keep an eye out for the signature - I see a few of these here and there, now and again.
Funny you should mention it, my fridge has been acting up lately. If it keels, I'll drop you a line.
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