Chapter 80 (2) - The Mysterious Art Museum
A solo exhibition at that hotel?
I'm also an artist. A solo exhibition is a great honor for an artist. I thought if I ever had one, it would be in some small, out-of-the-way gallery in Insadong, but starting with a hotel theater is too much.
I didn't need to think twice to refuse.
"I'm sorry, I don't have experience with solo exhibitions, and I might be a burden to the theater. I'll have to decline."
-You still have plenty of time, Mr. President. Please think it over and let us know.
There is quite a bit of time left.
It's early September now, so about 6 months left until next March. Technically, I could prepare in time, but the problem is the scale of the theater. If the exhibition isn't inside the theater, it would be in the lobby or hallways. But how could I cover that immense space with enough paintings?
I repeatedly declined, but the secretary asked me to think it over a bit more and then ended the call. As I stared at the disconnected phone, Young-ju, who had been listening to the conversation, approached and asked.
"What's up?"
I chuckled and dropped my phone on the desk.
"I don't know, they're asking me to have a solo exhibition at the hotel theater from next March to May. They said there's a gap in the performance schedule."
"Wow, really? Wait, you just turned it down, didn't you?"
"Yeah, of course. Do I look capable of that? There are only 6 months left. To fill that large lobby, I'd need at least 50 pieces."
"Ah."
Young-ju almost berates me for missing such an opportunity. Young-ju also paints. She knows better than anyone that many artists prepare for years to have a solo exhibition. So, she backs off more quietly than I expected.
But she still seems very regretful as he adds.
"Do you have to exhibit in the entire lobby? Can't you just do a small section?"
"........................"
I didn't ask about that.
But still, even if I did.
Their intention is to attract people to the exhibition when there are no performances.
How would a small exhibition achieve that?
And would people even come to see it?
I worried needlessly about setting up an exhibition schedule that might not attract any audience, and if a team gets booked for a performance in the meantime, I'd be causing trouble for everyone.
"Ah, it doesn't make sense no matter how I think about it. Just forget I said anything."
I waved my hand dismissively, signaling them to go back to work. Youngju clicked her tongue in frustration, and the other employees looked on enviously. They, too, aspire to be artists and have their own dreams of solo exhibitions, so their reaction is understandable.
I'm also disappointed. In fact, if it had been a small gallery's offer, I would have eagerly accepted it.
After Youngju left, I sat alone at my desk and searched for "Ikseon-dong Lucid Dream Art Museum" on my keyboard.
"Hey, hey. There's no information at all. How do they even do business like this?"
Even when I checked the street view on the map site, the real estate office that used to be where the museum should be was still visible. The portal site only had the name of the building, no business name.
"I wonder if they'd even take money from me, these people."
I'd like to see the face of the owner.
Is he a chaebol who doesn't care about money? If so, that's good, at least there's no risk of bankruptcy. But it's still worrying. You never know when a chaebol might change his mind and suddenly stop operating the museum.
If that really happens, could I take over the museum?
The funds in the corporate account are far from enough. Even old buildings in Jongno are expensive due to the land value.
'I need to work harder and be prepared to respond.'
Like Teacher Mucha, I believe there's a way if I live my life with all my effort and best intentions.
As I clenched my fist and bolstered my resolve, my phone vibrated. Thinking it was a spam call, I glanced at the screen. It was Minyoung.
"Hello?"
-Hello, Mr. Ban. It's been a while.
I hadn't spoken to her for about two weeks since Irina left for Poland. Honestly, there was no reason to contact her. The work was done, and there was no need for further communication.
"Yes, it's been a while. How are you?"
-I'm doing well, thanks to you. The board is recognizing the theater issue. And my mother even visited the theater to see your painting.
"Oh, I see."
Is Mrs. Kang doing well? I haven't seen her since I finished her portrait. She still seems to be interested in me. Or maybe it's her daughter's business she's interested in.
-Mr. Ban. I heard about the solo exhibition from the secretary's office.
"............"
It's about the solo exhibition.
"Yes, it's a very generous offer, but I don't think I'm capable enough to accept it. I'm sorry."
-Is it because of the scale?
Of course.
If they say it's okay to do it on a small scale, then just don't do it. I'd feel too sorry.
"Yes, that's right."
-What about a joint exhibition?
"Excuse me?"
-If a solo exhibition is too much pressure, why not do it with other artists?
Wow, what? Is that even an option?
But can that be called a solo exhibition?
They said they'd divide it into sectors for individual displays, so in a way, it could be considered a solo exhibition. Anyway, it's an opportunity that adds an important line to my career.
I had another chance to shake off the regret and spoke a bit more brightly.
"Then it's possible. Who will I be exhibiting with?"
-Haha, you are the first person we've offered this to. We need to start looking now. So, you're saying yes to a joint exhibition?
"Yes, I gratefully accept, thank you."
-We are the ones who should be thankful. We'll contact you again, so please be prepared.
"Thank you."
After hanging up, I felt a bit relieved from the heavy burden I'd been carrying. And the best part was that I now had something to do. Although a solo exhibition wouldn't directly benefit the company, it's still a plus for the company when bidding for work.
I stretched and smiled.
"Then, shall I start preparing for my first exhibition in life?"
But what should I paint?
Goodness, I need to decide that first!
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