Van Gogh Reborn!

Chapter 210:

Friction(3)

I hear that a lot, but I dont really get it.

Haha. Good. Lets keep going. I understand that youre a foodie, but Im curious if you have any other hobbies.

I like to draw or go to exhibitions.

It makes sense that its related to your job, but on the other hand, I also think this.

Ko Hun tilted his head slightly.

They say its unhappy when your hobby becomes your job. I know that your working hours are long, but isnt it hard to have your spare time also related to painting?

Its hard sometimes and exhausting sometimes.

Alphonse brightened his eyes, hoping that he would continue to talk.

But I feel energized when I eat something delicious for lunch. And dinner too. And after working at night, theres the next morning.

Hahahat. Its back to food talk again. I guess you can say that you relieve your stress by eating.

Yes. Actually, I dont have much time to do anything else. I have a lot of things I want to draw, but theres so much to learn that I dont want to waste time doing other things.

So instead of doing other things, you eat the most delicious things you can?

I didnt really think of it that way, but I guess I did.

Alphonse nodded.

He could tell how much the boy loved painting from his words that he didnt want to waste time doing other things.

I can guess how much you love painting.

Ah.

Ko Hun exclaimed.

Did you think of something?

Yes. I like to watch dramas. And novels too.

Thats a nice hobby. Can you recommend me some?

Theres a novel called Blood Mark that was recently made into a web drama.

Blood Mark?

Its a Korean novel. It starts with a woman who tries to get revenge on a man who tormented her lover, but ends up falling in love with his grandson.

Lets try that again.

Alphonse tried to understand Ko Huns words, but he couldnt.

So first of all, the grandson is an adult, right?

Hes a college student.

Then that means the man who tormented her lover is old.

Yes. He was her lovers stepfather.

Her lovers stepfather?

Ko Hun nodded.

He looked so innocent that Alphonse felt dizzy.

Was it an affair?

Well, if you look at it, her marriage to her husband was a sham. They were a same-sex couple. But after they got married, she fell in love with her stepfather.

Thats enough.

Alphonse cut off Ko Huns words as he was getting more interested.

The novels content could be a spoiler. Lets stop there.

Thats true.

He was a Frenchman who was tolerant of adultery and cheating, but it was too much for a 10-year-old kid to say.

Alphonse changed the topic.

Do you have any other hobbies?

Now that I think about it, I have a lot. I like listening to music.

Music. Thats something you can definitely listen to while working.

Yes.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I like classical music. The ones without lyrics dont distract me.

Alphonse nodded.

Classical music is having a resurgence. Do you have a favorite musician?

Baedovin.

The B. The conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic is someone everyone can love.

Hes amazing.

Painter and musician. I heard that there are many people who have a close relationship like Mahler and Klimt, but do you have a personal friendship?

Not at all. Im just a fan.

I see. I was just wondering.

Alphonse smiled lightly and moved on to the next topic.

Speaking of art, do you have any works that you liked recently?

The most recent one was.

Ko Hun hesitated for a moment and then confessed honestly.

Mayo by Marso.

The audience and Alphonse seemed pleased to hear the answer they had been waiting for.

It was the winning piece of the Art Nouveau competition, right?

Yes. His use of color is really impressive. It looks like it belongs there from the start.

I dont know much about art, but it must be hard to do that.

Its not that special to color like that. Its all about perception.

For example?

People think ripe apples are red. But apples are not just red. They have green and yellow too. And many other colors in between.

Alphonse nodded.

Thats what painters do, finding those colors. But Henri Matisse is special among them. He gives meaning to all those colors, to where they should be. Many people praise his descriptive power, but he can convey emotions with colors alone.

"Mark Rothko comes to mind."1)

Ko Hun just nodded, not bothering to answer.

Alphonse didnt expect much from his remark, so he continued with his questions.

Did you know it was Henri Matisses work before the announcement?

Yes. I saw his series in his studio.

Series. That was revealed in the conversation at the award ceremony. I heard they will be shown at the Salon.

I guess thats his plan.

Im really looking forward to it.

Alphonse blinked his eyes, encouraging Ko Hun to keep talking.

At first, I thought someone copied Matisse.

Alphonse furrowed his brows.

Copied him?

I never thought he would enter the same competition.

Haha. I heard that story too.

Yes. I called Matisse and told him someone copied him.

I wonder how he reacted.

He asked how anyone could copy his paintings.

The audience laughed.

It sounded just like something Matisse would say.

Matisse has always been aware of you, Ko Hun. And lately, it seems like you are too.

Hes a bit annoying. Hes a nice and good person when I see him from afar, but somehow we always end up fighting when we meet.

Hmm. What happened?

When I see him at the Antermite or the Art Nouveau competition, I think he really loves art. I wonder how one person can do such great things.

And?

He nags too much.

Hahaha. Nags?

Yes. He comes in when Im broadcasting and tells me what to do and what not to do. He tells me what to eat and what not to eat when Im having a meal. He calls me a pig. It stresses me out.

Alphonse covered his mouth and laughed for a while.

Hahaha. A pig? Thats harsh.

I eat a lot, but thats too much.

Youre growing up.

Alphonse comforted Ko Hun and continued with his questions.

Since were talking about Matisse, let me ask you about the new technology development youre doing together. What exactly do you do?

Im a tester for convenience and UI. I use it and check whats inconvenient and what needs to be supplemented.

Thats important.

Yes. I think Ill come and live here next year.

Thats good news. Ill be able to see more of your work in Paris. Youve lived here for a while before, so youll adapt quickly.

Yes. I lived here with my parents when I was young.

Alphonse nodded and responded.

The house you lived in then is now rented out, so my grandfather is looking for a house for me.

Vroom- vroom-

A vibration sound came from somewhere.

Ko Hun put his hand in his pocket and pressed the power button.

Im sorry.

Its no problem.

Alphonse waved his hand to reassure Ko Hun.

Its time to talk.

He thought it was time to mention the important topic, after getting to know Ko Huns daily life and situation.

Youve reached the top position in a year, with the Whitney Biennale, the Art Nouveau competition, and the SNBA Salon next week.

Ko Hun didnt affirm or deny it.

Anri Marso, who declared to reform the stagnant art market, named himself and Ko Hun as the leading figures of the new era.

Yes.

What do you think of the current art market, Ko Hun?

It was a sensitive question.

Even Anri Marso, who received absolute support in France, was facing backlash for his strong criticism of the existing art world.

Ko Hun hesitated for a moment and opened his lips.

Many artists are working hard. They are making good works. The Whitney Biennial did that, and so did the Art Nouveau Competition.

Yes.

Thats why I feel sorry. Things like the winners being decided by a few people who hold the power should be improved.

You have some points in common and some differences with Marsos opinion.

Yes. I dont know who Marso is referring to as the stale artists. Maybe its because I havent seen many works yet, or maybe its Marsos stubbornness.

Alphonse looked at Ko Hun with interest.

I dont think its time for me to judge yet. Ill think about it after I get to know more works.

Ko Hun honestly revealed his inner thoughts.

You mentioned Mark Rothko earlier. When I first saw Mark Rothkos work, I was very confused.

Because its just colored.

Yes. But after seeing it once, twice, and the third time, I think I watched it for about an hour. And then my heart moved.

Hmm.

I dont think its a work that many people can relate to. Its easy, but not easy. Its a strange expression.

I think I know what you mean.

Yes. Its weird to use Mark Rothko as an example, but there are many cases where new attempts are not understood.

Thats true.

But I dont think that means they are meaningless.

Ko Hun had many thoughts.

Right after losing his memory, he had a strong memory of living as Vincent van Gogh, and he worked with a desire to never go back to that time.

But after meeting various works.

He wondered again if it was really a meaningless act in the process of regaining his memory.

The works left by Vincent van Gogh influenced Gustav Klimt, Henri Matisse, and others, and they inspired other people.

Its also important to be loved by the public. It means communication is smooth, and above all, you have to do that to work healthily.

Yes.

But just because youre not understood right now doesnt mean youll always be like that. Just like Vincent did.

Maybe you learned to handle colors more deeply because of Mark Rothko.

Yes.

I dont think Marso would think of that as a stale act either. He buys works of unknown painters if he likes them.

I know that.

Yes. Marso wants to create an environment where those people can at least not starve and get fair rewards for their efforts and results. I support him from that perspective.

Alphonse looked at the young boy in front of him again.

He deliberately asked a difficult question.

No matter what he answered, he could be attacked by both sides who supported the current art market and those who supported Anri Marso.

But Ko Hun was unraveling the story rationally and balancing it.

Hes not just a good painter.

Alphonse judged that Ko Hun had an eye for the times like Anri Marso.

Then what is your plan for the future?

Ko Hun answered without hesitation.

To get to know more people and more deeply.

It was a simple and vague statement.

It sounded like he was going to lead the art world that had reached a new turning point in Alphonses ears.

1)Mark Rothko (Mark Rothko):

Born in 1903, died in 1970.

A painter who wanted to draw human emotions.

He expressed emotions with colors without shapes, and hoped that each viewer would resonate with their own experience.

The National Gallery in the United States conducted a survey asking Have you ever cried seeing a work of art? and 70% of those who answered yes said they cried seeing Mark Rothkos work.

I am not an abstract painter. I have no interest in colors, shapes, or anything else. I pursue the expression of fundamental emotions such as tragedy, ecstasy, and destiny.

-Mark Rothko

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