Chapter 124
Those students lacking sufficient skill couldn't discern the nuances, but Marsh, a seasoned art connoisseur, immediately understood. Emma's "squares" weren't squares at all; they were a deconstructed flame. Close inspection revealed each colorful square seemed to rise, radiating intense anger. The technique instantly reminded him of Ava, a world-renowned Rhenian artist.
"Do you know Ava?" Marsh knew Emma had founded the globally acclaimed avant-garde clothing brand, Youth. Her design skills suggested artistic talent, but this painting shocked him—unimaginable depth for a twenty-year-old. Emma was Ava. While studying design, she'd discovered a profound passion for art, dedicating herself to its study. A manuscript she'd abandoned in Paris was found by a high-ranking figure in the international art world, launching her career as Ava. She'd remained uninterviewed, maintaining a mysterious public image. Emma chose not to reveal her secret, simply saying, "I do. She offered me guidance while I was traveling."
Marsh was ecstatic. "I admire Ava immensely! To receive her personal tutelage… truly, the younger generation surpasses us!" Emma laughed awkwardly. The painting, titled "The Ember," represented her anger. Marsh promptly submitted it to the Trolo City Cultural Museum Exhibition.
Chapter 124
Following this news, summer camp students mocked Emma behind her back, accusing Marsh of bias and attempting to humiliate her. They eagerly awaited her public criticism. The Trolo City Arts Festival finally opened.
"For fairness," Marsh announced, "this competition's assessment will be determined by visitor votes! The highest vote count wins." The students anticipated the results.
Bob secured first place in the preceding horse race, surpassing Emma's total score. Her art competition performance was critical to reclaiming the lead. Student paintings were displayed, with visiting dignitaries invited to vote.
Praise flowed for various works—"Crow's Cry" was lauded for its vivid birds, "Lotus" for its beauty, and "Child" for its charm. Yet, Emma's painting received zero votes. Marsh grew concerned; her pioneering, highly sophisticated style might prove inaccessible to the average viewer. Students initially intimidated by Emma now taunted her.
A group of middle-aged art enthusiasts approached. One sarcastically requested, "Sir, as art-loving students, please critique our work!" The man obliged, praising "Crow's Cry," its creator, Pierce Bird, smiling broadly. Pierce then directed attention to "The Ember," prompting the man to declare it unappealing and incomprehensible. Others echoed his negative assessment, deriding the painting as messy and devoid of aesthetic merit.
Pierce, secretly appreciating Emma's skill—a masterful blend of Mondrian's geometric abstraction representing a hidden flame—feigned ignorance, reveling in their dismissal of Emma’s work and their validation of his own. He aimed to crush her confidence.
Just as Marsh prepared to intervene, an elderly gentleman with exceptional presence entered, scrutinizing "The Ember."
"Magnificent. This child is a rare genius!" The stunned onlookers demanded clarification. Marvin Sowle, a globally renowned artist, confirmed his assessment, his excitement evident. His endorsement silenced all dissent. Even Pierce, recognizing Sowle, could only offer muted praise for his own work while expressing interest in meeting "The Ember's" creator.
Marsh introduced Emma, surprising Sowle with her youth. The young artist's confirmation of authorship left the skeptical students speechless, forcing them to reconsider the merit of Emma's groundbreaking art.