Felicity tried to interrupt the critic, but he had built up such a head of steam he wouldn’t be stopped.
‘The sunflower, you see, is a comment on Van Gogh’s work and the astronomical price OF art at modern auctions. It is saying to you, the viewer, is art really worth that much when a great work can be reduced to a mere child’s interpretation and still have the same meaning?’
One or two of the tour group began to titter. Felicity tried once more, ‘Excuse me, sir,’ she raised her hand tentatively.
The critic glowered at her, a look that told the gallery assistant she was beneath contempt. He drew his eyes from her and carried on.
‘Similarly, the artist has given us a child’s representation of various animals. A donkey, again with the sunflower; a dog reduced to a head and a bone; a decorative cow. What is the artist trying to tell us with this expert deconstruction? One must leave that for the viewer to interpret.’
He left his question hanging and moved on. The group followed, suppressing smiles and laughter, passing the sign that read: ‘Local Nursery Farmyard Art Project,’ and into the main exhibition hall, where the latest national modern art show awaited them.
Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details visit HERE.
To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
My first novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
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But these paintings are just great, just like your story.
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They do have a charm
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Not a very knowledgeable critic, was he?
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Are any of them?
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No one likes a know it all and it seems as though this one got his.. Nice write Iain.
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Thank you Violet
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Actually, I took the weary-looking donkey to be a nod to the fact that although modern society needs to work tirelessly to survive, doing so so enables future generations to blossom. Either that or the donkey’s name is petal! Now who’s whos talking donkey s…t?
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Ever thought about becoming an art critic Keith?
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Funny you should mention that…no!
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Nice one, Iain 🙂 It made me chuckle.
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I am pleased 🙂
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Pompous donkey! Nicely done. Actually, those are pretty good pieces of art for nursery school age!
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I think they’re actually quite good – I hope I’m not offending any artists out there!
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The critics, they get them wrong, right?
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Quite often!
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Critics, pah!
There are even folk who don’t appreciate my stories!
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I find that hard to believe!
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Critics are always the annoying Mr/Ms Know it Alls
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Everybody’s a critic, which is why we need to maintain a sense of humor~~
Fun times!
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Ain’t that the truth!
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Art lies in the eyes of the critic!
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Very true!
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Great write Iain~ I particularly liked the The interpretation of the Asses sunflower. Bottom would be green with envy. 😊
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Haha, thanks John!
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