The small township of Mangaweka is known as the gateway to the thrills of the Rangitikei River, but once a year it brings in many visitors keen to experience the pleasures of fake art.
Richard Aslett, right, in among the "amazing pieces" that make up the exhibition. Photo: Supplied
Now in its seventh year, the Fakes and Forgeries Festival starts tomorrow at Richard Aslett's Yellow Church Gallery.
The festival turns on a surprisingly popular competition to see who can come up with the best replica of a celebrated work of art.
Richard Aslett, left, and Michael Cathels at the latest Fakes Exhibition. Photo: Supplied
Aslett told Morning Report he was surrounded by the works which included "some amazing pieces" such as fake Andy Warhols and Jackson Pollocks as well as forgeries of Kiwi artists such as Peter McIntyre and Colin McCahon.
"We've got the whole works. You think of a forgery and there will be pretty much one here."
However, although the event was inspired by Goldie, there are none this year.
"We have had many in the past.
"Surprisingly as well, we don't have a Mona Lisa this time - we usually get several of those so it changes, we get different entries each time so that's good."
One of the event's best known works was a Mona Lisa imitation called La Jacinda in 2017 featuring Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Photo: Supplied
"The timing was bang on - it was just after the election so it was a natural," Aslett said.
This time round social distancing and masks will be priorities so while Aslett is hoping for a good crowd, it can't be thousands at a time, he said.
