This episode of the podcast dives into a controversial and gripping true crime story in the art world. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia discuss the case of 25 alleged Basquiat paintings displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art. The episode explores the dubious provenance of these paintings, their eventual seizure by the FBI, and the downfall of art museum director Aaron De Groft. Despite expert warnings and a shady backstory involving a defunct authentication committee, the museum presented the works as authentic. The story culminates in a massive scandal with the unmasking of the forger and De Groft’s subsequent legal battles, casting a spotlight on the murky underworld of art forgery.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:20 Meet the Hosts

00:55 Today's Topic: Art World and Forgeries

01:37 Introducing the Mona Lisa Peacock

03:01 Art Forgery vs. Artistic Reproduction

04:43 Basquiat: The Artist and His Legacy

05:04 The Grift of Degraf: A Local Scandal

06:06 Basquiat's Life and Artistic Style

11:01 The 27 Club and Basquiat's Untimely Death

22:04 The Orlando Museum of Art's New Director

26:03 The Controversial Basquiat Exhibit

44:19 Basquiat's Signature and Authentication Issues

46:33 The FBI's Slow Burn Investigation

47:14 Thad Mumford's Affidavit and the Orlando Museum of Art

49:17 Jordana Morris Saggy's Involvement

01:07:27 The Smoking Gun: FedEx Label

01:13:45 The Aftermath and Legal Battles

01:21:43 The Final Twist: Aaron Degraf's Death

01:29:31 Conclusion and Reflections