Chapter 652: Evaluate (1/2)
Expectation crumbles before reality. A sluggishly built apartment in a forest of taller buildings hosted the exposition. Igna's words prior made it to be a world-renown collection, a place where art pieces and subjects to crafts were praised and evaluated. However, the SUV pulled into a vacant parking spot on the seamlessly inclined streets. Hand in hand with Vanesa, the four exited for a hasty climb into an arch of red bricks.
Inside, after the white door, came multiple men and ladies vested in costly attire. Never judge a book by its cover, prior doubts faded in favor of confusion.
”Good to see you, Lord Igna,” waved an unfamiliar face. The butler soon escorted the four upstairs and into a pretty well-maintained room. ”-Please wait a moment,” asked the attendant gently tapping another door, the latter briskly opened to a hasty lady. Her steps were followed by a broader man, who, apologized briefly and fled down the stairs.
”My apologies,” said a man in a monocle, ”-I never expected my invitation to be answered.” A desk of weird proportions stood in the middle, original works of art from lesser-known artists hung about the premises. The strides lessened for a glimpse, Vanesa took one look and clocked out. The golden rims of the appraisers' glasses fell harmoniously onto the fair complexion.
”We meet again,” said Igna pulling a seat, ”-I was certainly surprised about the exposition. I hear tis from an unknown collector?”
”Yes,” he replied, ”-the host is very much keen on war-depicting pieces. I've seen the very illustrious battle of Dorchester, painted by Vnaan Dourke, at the current show. The gruesome detail of human deaths sure is haunting, the absurd reality makes me quiver.”
”Very interesting,” he made subtle glances to the unknown man, ”-I heard the art gallery was asking to buy a painting from any random source?”
”Yes,” replied the appraiser(same man from the auction) ”-I'm currently looking for potential pieces on a new project. The future of Arts in a society influenced by the Arcanum.”
”Long title.”
”Ought to get the message through. Needless to say, when art is brought up for discussion, either one cringes, looks bemused, or outright ignores the matter. Not to say, many love to admire the work of artists. I'm lucky enough to work for Stiol. Pardon the late introductions, I go by Thomas Edson, a private appraiser for Stiol. By private, it just means I'm free to work when I want and how I want.”
”Don't be so modest. I've seen the magazines. The rescuer of the art world. The Battle of Dorchester was a lost piece of which you recovered singlehandedly. I'm sure the sources were dubious and unprecedented. No matter, the exploits stack one onto another. The ability to earnestly judge work and instantly put a price tag has made the replica-filled sea of pieces swimmable. One can say, the limitation of an art critic to be an appraiser was indirectly instated by you. We are sure to believe the people aren't sham.”
”I admire a man who does his research.”
'Beautiful,' thought Thena, ”-these pieces resonate deep inside. Are artists in the mortal realm so blessed?'
”Thena,” hailed Igna, ”-we're headed to the expedition.”
”Pardon me,” the crowded room emptied, Thomas personally escorted and gave a tour of the current highlights. ”There we have it,” they reached a large room, three vertically hung frames kept the big piece as one. The way the images transposed seamlessly after the blank separating added to the beauty. ”The masterpiece of our show.”
Confidence sparked a smug expression, Nike and Thena were lost in admiring the pieces. ”Over here,” whispered Igna, ”-I'd like to discuss a business proposal.”
”Artifacts for auction?” interjected Thomas.
”No, I have pieces made to be evaluated…”
”My lord, please, this isn't the time for jests. The market is already filled with talented painters. Slapping an image on a canvas doesn't equal money. Besides, the painter must be recognized or otherwise be a monster in art, a genius of sorts. I know the argument of beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yet, tis can't be applied to the real world. Money controls what is valuable, and I'm afraid, Collectors are fixated on old and rust, not new and fresh. They want clout, not pieces. Similar to watches and jewelry, they'll buy it under the guise of knowledge and investment… between you and me, we know they're but rich children flaunting their wealth to attract the opposite sex.”
”Very true,” said Igna, ”-I don't wish for money. Take an objective look at a few pieces I have, don't use the appraisal skill, judge it as an art critic. If possible, slew or burnt it, you have my permission.”
”I don't get it…” he glanced to Thena, ”-well, whatever you say.” Later on, black rectangular bags hoisted atop the stairs to the same office, there, Igna made audience with Thena and Nike.
”What now?” shrugged the unimpressed god, ”-I admit, humans have a lot of talent.”
”Just wait and watch,” he said. The paintings were laid one by one, ”-have thine pieces ever be subjected to criticism?”
”Subjected to criticism?” her brows knitted, ”-I'm the god of arts and craft, my wisdom knowns no bound. If I say it's good, then it's good, no argument.”
*Click,* '-we shall find out, won't we?' smirked he.
Menacing footsteps echoed to the three displayed pieces, '-what in the world is this?'