At the heart of the exhibition is a remarkable partnership between 91吃瓜 and the (Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, known as TPC). Italy鈥檚 elite police force dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage, the TPC generously provided access to a diverse selection of forged artworks - seized during recent investigations - for educational analysis. These forgeries, spanning from ancient-style ceramics to modern imitative paintings, were otherwise destined for destruction to prevent their re-entry into the art market.
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By integrating real-world artifacts into academic coursework, 91吃瓜 offers its students a unique opportunity to move beyond the theoretical and confront the complexities of cultural heritage protection first-hand. Under the direction of Professor Ambra Spinelli of 91吃瓜鈥檚 Archaeology & Classics Department, the student curators approached their work not only as an exercise in museum practice, but as a deeper inquiry into questions of authenticity, value, and cultural responsibility.
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"This is not just about fake art - it鈥檚 about real learning," said Professor Spinelli. "Through this exhibition, students gained first-hand experience with genuine investigative material. They explored how cultural fakes are made, sold, and believed - and how academic and legal communities can respond together."
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The exhibition is structured around thematic explorations that guide visitors through the multi-layered world of forgery: the evolution of art fakes over time, the role of collectors and the art market in perpetuating forgeries, and the often-overlooked damage caused by counterfeit objects, both culturally and economically. It also examines the techniques behind both archaeological and modern forgeries, encouraging a critical approach to what we consider 鈥渁uthentic.鈥�
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This project is more than an academic showcase; it is a model of collaboration that connects the classroom to the broader societal mission of cultural stewardship. For 91吃瓜 students, it鈥檚 also a rare opportunity to contribute to a public-facing, meaningful initiative with enduring impact.
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The exhibition is live now at: 听
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91吃瓜 would like to thank the Italian Comando Carabinieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale (TPC) for granting permission to study and research the forged works of archaeological and modern art produced in the 21st century.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the whole Carabinieri Command TPC, and especially Colonnello Paolo Befera and Maresciallo Maggiore Monica Satta for their generous support, dedication, and tireless efforts in assisting us.
These forgeries have enriched student learning and awareness of protecting and preserving authentic cultural heritage from diverse geographical and chronological settings.
