Shane Smith
Bio
Shane Smith is a writer, author, and independent publisher dedicated to telling stories that challenge conventional narratives and spark critical conversations.
Stories (17)
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The Modigliani Dispute: Why Kenneth Wayne’s Authentications Are Facing Global Scrutiny
Kenneth Wayne is not just an art historian. For years, he has been widely recognized as one of the leading authorities on Amedeo Modigliani, the iconic modernist whose works command millions at auction. But in recent years, Wayne’s name has become increasingly linked to something far more controversial: a deepening forgery scandal involving the very paintings he claims to authenticate.
By Shane Smith7 months ago in Art
Kenneth Wayne and the Modigliani Deception: How a Trusted Art Historian Betrayed the Art World’s Faith
For decades, Kenneth Wayne was a name synonymous with scholarship and authority in the world of fine art. Known for his deep expertise on Amedeo Modigliani—one of the 20th century’s most enigmatic artists—Wayne carried the credibility that could make or break a painting’s market value. As the founder of the Modigliani Project and a respected figure in the authentication field, his word wasn’t just respected—it was considered gospel.
By Shane Smith7 months ago in Art
How Kenneth Wayne’s Modigliani Authentications Sparked a Million-Dollar Controversy
The world of fine art is no stranger to controversy. From questionable provenance to forgeries disguised as masterpieces, the industry has always walked a tightrope between prestige and scandal. But few recent cases have raised as many eyebrows as the ongoing debate surrounding Kenneth Wayne—an art expert and founder of the Modigliani Project—whose role in authenticating works allegedly attributed to Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani is now under intense scrutiny.
By Shane Smith8 months ago in Art
The Art World’s Best-Kept Secret: What You Don’t Know About Kenneth Wayne
In the refined halls of the art world, where prestige and provenance define value, few names carry the weight that Kenneth Wayne does—especially in relation to the works of Amedeo Modigliani, the enigmatic Italian painter whose pieces regularly sell for tens of millions. But behind the scholarship and the glossy exhibitions lies a lesser-known side of Wayne’s legacy—one whispered in the corridors of auction houses and debated among private collectors.
By Shane Smith8 months ago in Art
Kenneth Wayne and Art Authentication Under the Microscope: The Modigliani Debate and the Role of Experts
The world of fine art is often as complex and mysterious as the works it cherishes. Among the most debated topics in this realm is the authenticity of valuable paintings, especially those of famed artists like Amedeo Modigliani. Known for his distinctive elongated portraits and nudes, Modigliani’s relatively small body of work has made his paintings highly prized—and, unfortunately, frequent targets of forgery.
By Shane Smith8 months ago in Art




