‘Childish and unprofessional’: art experts say Mona’s fake-Picasso stunt may undermine gallery’s reputation

Chair of art history at the University of Sydney, Assoc Prof Donna Brett, says while the Picassos are fake, no crime has been committed because the artist did not attempt to create false provenance for the works, nor attempt to sell them. Photograph: Museum of Old and New Art

Art experts have criticised Mona’s admission that the gallery hung fake Picassos as “childish” and “unprofessional”, warning it may leave the public feeling “betrayed or hoodwinked”.

Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art revealed on Wednesday that the Picassos hung in women’s toilets as a protest were in fact painted by the museum owner’s wife, artist Kirsha Kaechele.