Airdate: The Whiteley Art Scandal

The tale of the greatest art fraud case in Australian history will be depicted in upcoming ABC documentary, The Whiteley Art Scandal.

Broadcast as part of ABC’s Arts Week, this takes a rare, behind the scenes look at the glamorous and high-stakes world of art dealing. From 18-24 September, the ABC will celebrate arts from around the country at iview.abc.net.au/category/arts

In 2009, car salesman turned art dealer, Steve Nasteski, buys what he believes to be a genuine painting by acclaimed Australian artist Brett Whiteley. But when suspicions are raised about its authenticity, a chain of events leads to a sensational trial in Melbourne. Well-known art dealer Peter Gant and conservator Aman Siddique stand accused of creating and fraudulently bringing to market not one, but three, fake Whiteley paintings.

At first it seems an open and shut case – but all is not as it seems and an explosive piece of evidence turns the case against the two accused men on its head.

With twists worthy of a thriller and extraordinary access to key players including Peter Gant and Wendy Whiteley, The Whiteley Art Scandal throws up questions about the integrity of our cultural heritage and the unregulated nature of the art market, and asks if it’s time for the Australian police to establish specialised art fraud squads.

Production credit: An In Films Production for the ABC in association with Screen NSW. Written & Directed by Yaara Bou Melhem. Producer: Ivan O’Mahoney. ABC Commissioning Editor: Kalita Corrigan.

Tuesday 19 September at 8:30pm on ABC.