“Forgers know they can capitalize on that.” Renewed respect for African American artists , such as Robert Johnson , Beauford Williams and Charles White , has led to a sharp increase in fraud surrounding their works , according to The ART newspaper . Fakers are reportedly taking advantage of a lack of connoisseurship among experts , due to a long under - representation of African American artists . Additionally , artists ’ foundations are often unable to authenticate works because of financial difficulties .
Renewed respect for African American artists , such as Robert Johnson , Beauford Williams and Charles White , has led to a sharp increase in fraud surrounding their works , according to The ART newspaper . Fakers are reportedly taking advantage of a lack of connoisseurship among experts , due to a long under - representation of African American artists . Additionally , artists ’ foundations are often unable to authenticate works because of financial difficulties .