The Forger's Paradox

Join us for our next Refined Minds gathering as we explore the invisible line between genius and deception in the world of art.

In the art market, 'truth' is more expensive than beauty. When a masterpiece is exposed to be a forgery, its financial value vanishes overnight, even though the visual experience remains exactly the same as the day before.

This raises a challenging question: do we actually value the art itself, or are we just valuing the pedigree and the story behind it? We're meeting to explore where beauty ends and authenticity begins.

A few questions for the session:

• Imagine a future where we can 3D-scan a Rembrandt and print an exact replica—atom for atom, including the aged wood and chemical decay of the lead-white paint. If the two objects are physically identical in every measurable way, does the "original" still possess something the replica lacks? Or is that ineffable quality just a social construct we use to justify astronomical prices?
• Tell us about what ways specific intent, struggle, or life story of a creator influences the emotional connection you feel when looking at a finished work of art.
• Is our preference for "the real thing" a deep human instinct or are we simply victims of the Snob Effect?
• Think about a time your understanding of a 'truth' whether about an object, a person, or a story suddenly shifted. How did that new information change the way you perceived the beauty or value of that thing moving forward?

Through philosophical inquiry and shared perspectives, we'll examine how we assign value to what we love, not just in galleries, but in our lives.

For Confirmed Attendees: If your plans change, please update your RSVP on Meetup as soon as possible. This allows us to notify those on the waiting list in time to join.

For the Waiting List: Thank you for your patience! Spots often open up in the days before the meeting. If you don't get in this time, we can certainly revisit this rich topic in future sessions.

📍 Location: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, 4th Floor, Room 492 (L4 North Meeting Room)