Con artist Kostabi, also known as Michael Corbin, was a notorious figure in the art world during the 1980s. His fraudulent activities and charismatic persona captivated both critics and collectors alike, making him a fascinating subject of study for those interested in the intersection of art and deception.
Kostabi’s rise to fame began in the early 1980s when he claimed to be a member of the notorious art forger Elmyr de Hory’s inner circle. He presented himself as a master forger, boasting about his ability to replicate the works of renowned artists like Picasso and Degas. With this claim, Kostabi quickly gained the attention of the art community, and his forgeries were soon fetching high prices at prestigious galleries and auctions.
However, as his story unfolded, it became apparent that Kostabi’s claims were far from the truth. He was actually a self-taught painter and sculptor with no formal art training. Despite this, his ability to create convincing forgeries and his charismatic personality allowed him to dupe some of the most influential figures in the art world, including Andy Warhol and David Bowie.
Kostabi’s fraudulent activities were not limited to forgeries; he also engaged in various other forms of deception. He would often pose as a wealthy collector, using his connections to purchase and sell art at inflated prices. His ability to manipulate people and situations was unparalleled, and he seemed to thrive on the thrill of the con.
Despite his fraudulent past, Kostabi’s art has been the subject of debate and discussion. Some argue that his forgeries are works of art in their own right, while others dismiss them as mere copies. Regardless of one’s opinion, it is undeniable that Kostabi’s contributions to the art world have had a lasting impact.
In 1983, Kostabi’s deception was finally exposed when a French art dealer, Guy Pecci, revealed that he had been selling Kostabi’s forgeries as genuine works of art. This revelation led to a major scandal in the art world, and Kostabi’s reputation was forever tarnished. However, he continued to create art, and his work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and collections over the years.
Today, Kostabi’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of the art market and the importance of due diligence when dealing with art. His ability to deceive so many people for so long highlights the need for a more transparent and ethical approach to the art world. As for Kostabi himself, he remains a complex and intriguing figure, whose legacy continues to be debated by art historians and enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, con artist Kostabi’s life and career offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of art fraud and the lengths some individuals will go to in order to achieve recognition. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of skepticism and integrity in the art world, while also highlighting the enduring allure of art as a subject of both admiration and deception.
