July program – To Catch an Art Thief” – author Vivian T-N Ho


Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) had a fascinating look into the art world’s dark underbelly, courtesy of Vivian T-N Ho, author of To Catch an Art Thief. The discussion was held on Saturday, July 11 at the Houston Public Library, Looscan Branch.

 

The years surrounding 1985 were boom times for art thieves and Ms. Ho offered a unique view into this shady world of crooks, fences, and unscrupulous art dealers where masterpieces were the currency of choice. Writing as Vivian T-N Ho, artist and criminal justice scholar Dr. Truc-Nhu Ho reconstructed this dark period in art history, exploring the strategies and tactics used by art thieves, from simple shoplifting to elaborate burglary schemes. She delved into the response of law enforcement to art-related crimes, recounting and reconstructing cases from the New York City Police Department.

 

After the lecture, there was a book signing across the street, with Dr. Ho donating 15% of the sales to VAA.

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