Chapter 299: What is art? (2/2)

Modesty and impudence…

Civility and chaos…

Creation and destruction…

Innocence…and maturity…

This photo is full of life!” Her final sentence erupted as a shout, echoing through the space…reverberating within the minds of each member of the audience.

Soon, the second judge, an obese middle-aged man, stood up. ”It's like the first time I watched a sunrise on a rainy day…

Then, the third judge, an elderly female, also rose. ”The photographer captured something that…that…seems as if it shouldn't exist!”

Ben's photo of Charlotte was a paradox! Containing a series of things that shouldn't exist in one person! He'd captured something incredible! A genuine piece of art! No--a masterpiece!

As the three judges turned to look to the back of the room, at the model Charlotte, her cheeks turned beet-red as she hid the bottom half of her face beneath her red knitted sweater... Yet, obscured under that fabric, she couldn't help but smile…

Meanwhile, sitting next to her, Ben crossed his arms and held his eyes half-closed, wearing the expression he imagined a grandmaster artist would possess...

He even nodded at each of the judges' appraisals, praising them for being not bad…

Commending the fact that they toiled their entire lives to build the skills just to recognize those tiny aspects of his intricate work...

Albeit, it was true that it wasn't easy creating such a deep photograph, and in Ben's mind, he reflected on his motivation at the time he captured this profound work. 'I just thought it looked cool.'

…

He wasn't the type of conscious photographer to consider all those things the judges mentioned. When it came to art, although he'd worked on his techniques, for the most part, Ben was developing his instincts, and it was those that told him that Charlotte was special and helped him arrange this photograph.

Yet, the judges believed Ben's attitude was well-deserved, because this work, was masterful. Of course, it was hard to say if he was a genius from only one picture, since it was possible he only captured a lucky shot and wouldn't be able to maintain such consistency in the future. For now though, that didn't matter, because this photograph—deserved the highest acclaim!

As such, the obese judge brought his hands up, and prepared to clap them together… Yet, his motions were jerky, hesitant. He asked himself, 'Would it be appropriate? Is this too cliche?'

…

Thus, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, his hands came together in slow motion…as he debated the pros and cons in his mind...

At the same time, to his side, Darryl glared at him and shook his head. 'Don't do it…don't you f*cking do it fatty!'

…

Yet, THE URGE TO MAKE IT CLAP WON OUT TODAY!

*Clap*

*Clap* *Clap*

*Clap* *Clap* *Clap*

Soon, it wasn't just him, but also the other two judges, and then…the first row, the second row, all the rows! Everyone stood up and faced the back of the room, clapping! It was a standing ovation!

Yet, it was one that everyone believed was justified...not too cliche...

...

A minute later, when the applause died down though, the judges realized they'd skipped something—they forgot to give their grades!

Hence, after everyone sat back down, the three judges began to ponder how to score this photo, and that, wasn't as simple as it seemed.

Although Ben's picture possessed many unique qualities, the fact was that this was a beginner's competition, and for that, the rules outlined that the most valuable aspect in grading would be technique. Well, when it came to the technical aspect, Ben's skills were good. Yet, Darryl's photo was much more refined! Thus, they weren't sure who they should award the highest score, and as a result, the victory. After all, none of the judges wanted to receive criticism for ignoring the rules.

As for Ben, after gloating for the entirety of the applause, he also realized the issue. 'Did I just set myself up for a reversal? Shiiiiit.”

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*Author's Note: Regarding bonus chapters, it's the same deal this weak. Top 5 ML for 2-8 extra chaps. Do you want more chapters? Well, you need to vote. Can the other English authors on this platform write chapters like these? No! So f*cking vote!

*Whisks white beard to the side*

*Eyes narrow* 'Please vote...'