Signature Series by Aukje Dekker and Geert Jan Jansen.

Signature Series is a collaboration between artist Aukje Dekker and artist-master falsifier Geert Jan Jansen.
The work consists of a series of famous artists’ signatures, from Picasso to Chagall, reproduced by Jansen as similar as possible to their originals. The core of the work consists of a provoking attitude towards authenticity, the idea of appropriation, reproduction and market.
Within these and many other subjects, Jansen’s contribution seemed more than appropriate, his own body of work being built upon the concept of authenticity and the many implications of it on the art world. The choice of depicting famous artist’s signatures is a strong ironic move towards these traditional notions, questioning the subtle line existing between appropriation, plagiarism, authorship and forgery. The conceptual interplay between Jansen and Dekker created, thus, a fascinating work, which reflects the strength of both artists: from Jansen’s craftsmanship and experience to Dekker’s theoretical artistic direction.

Signatures Series represent a gaze on the contemporary’s art scene and the domain of artistic collaboration.

All pictures by Peter Tijhuis courtesy Gallery Gabriel Rolt