Major Art Forgery Case: Cowan Convicted in Morrisseau Fraud

UPDATE: In a dramatic conclusion to one of Canada’s largest art forgery cases, Jeff Cowan was found guilty on multiple charges, including dealing with forged documents and defrauding the public. The verdict came on October 19, 2023, following a trial that unveiled a web of deception involving thousands of counterfeit artworks attributed to the iconic Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau.

Kevin Hearn, keyboardist for the Barenaked Ladies, played a crucial role in exposing this extensive forgery ring. His fight began in 2005 after purchasing a painting, “Spirit Energy of Mother Earth,” for $20,000, later confirmed to be a fake. Hearn’s relentless pursuit of justice has spurred significant legal action, culminating in Cowan’s conviction.

Cowan, a 49-year-old resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake, represented himself during the trial. His conviction is part of a larger scandal involving multiple individuals, including two others who have already pleaded guilty. In total, eight people were arrested in connection with this art forgery scheme, dubbed “Project Totton,” which has been under investigation since March 2023.

The implications of this case are profound. Art law researcher Lauren Gowler emphasized that art fraud undermines public trust and damages the Indigenous communities whose heritage was exploited. “It is a cultural crime that goes beyond financial losses,” Gowler stated. The emotional toll of this deception is immeasurable, affecting not just individual collectors but also the legacy of Morrisseau himself.

Cowan’s network produced an estimated 1,000 counterfeit artworks, many sold to unsuspecting buyers across Canada. The fraud operation relied on a complex assembly line, turning out fake Morrisseau pieces that deceived galleries and auction houses. Cowan’s paintings often bore glaring inconsistencies, such as English signatures and anachronistic details that should have raised red flags for buyers.

In a courtroom filled with tension, Cowan maintained his innocence, claiming the prosecution’s evidence was speculative. However, the jury deliberated for just one day before delivering its verdict, marking a significant accountability moment in this ongoing saga. Cowan remains on bail and will be sentenced in 2024.

Hearn reflected on the case outside the courtroom, expressing a desire for closure after years of battling for justice. “It’s all kind of connected,” he said, acknowledging the broad implications of the fraud for Morrisseau’s artistic legacy.

As this chapter closes, the art world must grapple with the aftermath. The challenge now lies in identifying remaining forgeries and restoring trust in the market. The fight against art fraud is ongoing, and experts warn that the impact of Cowan’s actions will resonate for years to come.

With the trial’s conclusion, authorities are turning their attention to the remaining forgeries, seeking to protect the integrity of Indigenous art and ensure that such a deceitful scheme does not happen again. The public is urged to remain vigilant and informed about the authenticity of artworks attributed to legendary figures like Norval Morrisseau.