The United States Vs Alfredo Martinez - by Ronald Sosinski (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The United States vs Alfredo Martinez documents the life and work the New York City-based artist notorious for forging the works of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. He was arrested for wire fraud after selling forged Basquiats and sentenced to time in prison in 2002. During his time in prison, Martinez continued making art using unconventional materials like coffee and fruit juice and his work was even featured in gallery shows. He saw his imprisonment as a "publicity stunt" and an opportunity to make a statement about the art world's valuation of authenticity and money. He even gave a forgery master class as part of The Downtown Biennial where attendees learned how to create a fake Basquiat. Martinez later collaborated with and mentored Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin), a con artist who had also been imprisoned for defrauding the art world. Martinez curated a show of Delvey's work, and even created some of the pieces himself when she faced prison restrictions. Alfredo Martinez passed away in 2023 at the age of 56. His life and unconventional approach to art cemented his place in New York's underground art scene and earned him a spot in collections like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Rothschild Collection.

Review Quotes

"Alfredo Martinez was larger than life, an inspiration and a friend who always tried to help me along my path as an artist, He spotted me through the widow of my storefront studio on the Bowery back in 2016 and came in "guns blazing," armed with stories and brandishing an arsenal of colorful gun paintings that I was so enamored with, I bought them on the spot. He shared tales of hardship and triumph, he was an original who was also notorious for forging Basquiat, eventually landing him in Rikers. Alfredo passed away last Sunday night. I'm grateful to have known him. He will be missed. Rest In Peace my friend." - Adrian Brody (2 Time Academy Award Winning Actor)

"Sad to hear. He had a remarkable life." - Jeffrey Deitch (Noted Art Dealer)

"Indeed, I feel fortunate that Alfredo and I crossed paths. He transcended stereotypes and constraints, leading a life brimming with adventure and excitement. May he rest in peace, leaving an indelible mark through the body of work he created over his lifetime." - Anna Sorokin, also known as Anna Delvey (a con artist and fraudster who posed as a wealthy heiress to access upper-class New York social and art scenes from 2013 to 2017)

The late painter Joe Heaps Nelson introduced me to Alfredo Martinez. Over the years, Alfredo and I have curated numerous art shows and collaborated with celebrities and art stars - Adrien Brody, Anna Delvey and Ben Stiller to name a few. But Alfredo's reach within the art world also extended to Donald Baechler with whom he was an assistant for, and a friendship with artist Tom Sachs. Alfredo's association with We Live in Public and its creator Josh Harris is well documented. Alfredo had a unique and defiant sense of art and the art world. He was an outside the grid persona with a detailed knowledge of how the art scene functions on the inside. He defended his authenticity by announcing to any doubters, "I'm in the MoMA collection, are you?" - Noah Becker )Publisher & Editor of Whitehot Magazine)

About the Author

Ronald Sosinski is a curator and art world figure, perhaps best known for his role as co-founder and director of the selection committee for the Scope Art Fair (2001-2003). He also runs The Proposition / International Projects, a gallery space and curatorial venture. In 2021, Sosinski curated an exhibition titled "God is Black And She is a Woman" at the Parkview Museum in Singapore, which included works by Derrick Adams, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley. During his time at the Scope Art Fair, Sosinski was instrumental in introducing several artists, including Mickalene Thomas. This played a significant role in her early career, bringing her work to a wider audience within the art world.