1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 323 A Cluster of Acquaintances
Gold in early February was a gathering of elites.

This place is a gathering place for both art lovers and collectors.

Famous collectors from France and neighboring countries have all come to join the fun.

As the host city of Provence, and as Provençal people who love to socialize, it was natural to organize a small-scale gathering of high-end collectors.

Successful art events require more than just attention and buzz; they also need successful artworks.

And the people who create these successful works are these high-end private collectors.

They are undoubtedly the most central figures in this Gold series of art events, besides the artists.

Starting in the 1970s, the budgets of French public museums were drastically cut.

Some museums will even suspend their collection funds, abandoning their "face" and exchanging academic prestige for collaboration with private collectors, all in exchange for the opportunity of "long-term loan exhibitions".

It can be said that modern art has been swept up by the frenzy of capital.

Even Mr. Normand, the director of the Grané Museum, had to act as a 'guide' at these private gatherings in order to maintain good relations with his guests.

However, Normand could not be invited to every private gathering; he would only attend when the most important figures in the Provençal collecting world were gathered.

"Bernard Buffet's 'Lavender Field' uses bold black lines and somber yellow tones, which is completely different from the traditional bright style of Provence and is very distinctive."

“Anish Kapoor’s ‘Blood Dome’, created with red wax blocks, is also very good and has received unanimous praise from the industry.”

"Raymond Debadon's 'Provence Farm' photography exhibition was also well done; it was one of the most outstanding solo art exhibitions."

Normand smiled and asked the dozen or so 'distinguished guests' present:
What are everyone's impressions of this exhibition?

The guests shared their opinions and views from their personal interests, but not everyone will actually participate in this event.

Rodrigo also participated in today's gathering, and his attitude was the most enthusiastic:
"If I had to pick the work that left the deepest impression on me, it would definitely be 'Hope,' but it's such a pity that 'Hope' is not available for my collection."

Normand nodded knowingly.

He also really liked 'Hope', and if it weren't for the special nature of the material, he would have even considered adding it to the Granet Museum.

The Granet Museum is one of the largest museums in Provence. Although its collection fund has been reduced, Normand still has a budget. He just needs to be careful.

Because of the emergence of 'hope', Rodrigo's reputation in the Provençal art world improved—he was no longer considered a 'junk' collector.

Other prominent collectors asked Rodrigo:
Have you seen the works that Ronan will be exhibiting at the center's sculpture exhibition?

High-end collectors have access to a wider range of resources, and they knew days ago that Ronan was about to have another dessert artwork coming to Gold.

Rodrigo shook his head:

"All we know is that it's still dessert; Marechal didn't reveal any other information."

The others nodded; they had received similar information.

“I can’t say for sure which piece was the best at this Gold art event. But it made this up-and-coming artist named Ronan famous,” the woman next to Rodrigo said with a smile.

“Yes, Marechal even described him as a representative of emerging artists!” Rodrigo said happily.

It was Rodrigo who gave Ronan the opportunity to showcase his talent on the Provençal art scene.

To praise Ronan is to praise Rodrigo!
Rodrigo only hopes that Ronan will continue to shine at Gold!
However, one of the distinguished guests present made a nasal sound of clear disapproval.

Hearing the sound, everyone looked over, then quickly looked away, not daring to say anything.

This guy is not to be trifled with!

Ronan was a promising new artist whom Normand highly regarded. He also went to see him and asked in a friendly manner:
"Miss Patricia, don't you like Ronan's works?"

Rodrigo frowned secretly.

Patricia really likes Ronan's work; she came to see 'Hope' on her very first day in Gold.

Patricia gave a dignified smile:

"No, Director Normand, I really like Ronan's work. I just think there are other emerging artists in Provence."

Normand smiled with interest and asked:
"Who is it?"

Patricia slightly raised her chin and said proudly:

“My father said he saw a new era and infinite possibilities in a certain emerging artist in Provence.”

Patricia's father was the largest private collector in Provence and held a prominent position in the Provençal business community. Patricia's words made everyone present perk up their ears.

who is it?
Seeing that everyone's interest had been piqued, Patricia patted the armrest with satisfaction:
"That artist's name is Zoe."

“Zoe.”

"Zoe?"

As everyone present exchanged bewildered glances, Mr. Normand nodded in sudden realization:

“I remember now, Mr. Thuram asked her to make you a coming-of-age gift.”

This order was facilitated with the help of the Grané Museum, where Mr. Normand works.

“That’s right!” Patricia nodded happily.

Mr. Normand was probably the person who knew Zoe best at the event, and he introduced her to everyone:
“She’s a new artist who focuses on combining glass and ceramic techniques; all her work revolves around animals. I remember she’s from Lourmarin.” Patricia’s eyes widened, and she exclaimed, “Wow!”
"Also from Lourmaran? Ronan is from Lourmaran, isn't he?"

She saw the flag of the Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative on her way here, so she remembers it very clearly.

Rodrigo stated definitively:

"Yes, Ronan is from Lourmaran, where he owns a restaurant."

After finishing the art exhibition, Rodrigo wanted to talk to Ronan about something, so he was very impressed by Ronan's residence in Lourmaran.

The people present began to whisper among themselves.

Whether it's Ronan, widely considered the leading new artist of Provence, or Zoe, whom Patricia adores, they both hail from Lourmarin.

Doesn't that mean the future of Provençal art lies in Lourmarin?

Has this small place produced so many talented people?
I should go and see it when I have the chance.
Patricia really disliked participating in these parties; they were such a waste of time.

In order to leave quickly to do what interests her, and also to avoid placing too much expectation on her by the organizers, the daughter of a Provençal tourism tycoon made her stance clear first:

"Dad's been very busy lately and hasn't had time to come to Gold. I'll collect artwork based on my own preferences, and I only like animals. So I only plan to work with Zoe's pieces; I won't compete with others for other works!"

Normand turned around and exchanged glances with the event organizers.

If Patricia and Mr. Thuram behind him weren't involved, there would be one less collector who could create a 'successful' work.

Ronan and Batty's knitting promotion plan went very well.

As lunchtime approached, Cafu asked his assistant to pass on a message to the two of them, saying they could take a short break, as the 'temporary exhibition area' was almost overwhelmed with guests.

At noon, he will upgrade the stall of the Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative as quickly as possible, hoping to be able to receive more friends in the afternoon.

Since that was the case, Ronan and Batty left the exhibition hall to have lunch.

"Go find Zoe?" Batty asked Ronan.

Ronan shook his head:

"Zoe has made plans to have lunch with an artist friend today, so there's no need to go see her."

"Then let's just find somewhere to eat." Barty started looking around for places to eat.

Ronan said apologetically:

"I also have an appointment at noon today."

Bati's dissatisfied protest:
"Why? Why can you find an artist to have dinner on your first visit? I've been in Gold for over half a month and no one has ever invited me."

Ronan patted him on the shoulder, checked the direction, and then headed off in a certain direction:

"Not an artist, but a senior figure in the culinary world. I'm leaving now, see you this afternoon."

When Ronan came to Gold to sell his goods, he once asked Mr. Llorente, who also lived in Gold, for help. Although Mr. Llorente was unable to help due to time constraints, Ronan still invited him to dinner as a gesture of 'gratitude'.

The main reason is that spring is approaching, and Ronan wants to make his presence felt in front of Mr. Llorente as much as possible. He really doesn't want Mr. Llorente to forget about him.

He needs to participate in more events in Provence to increase his popularity, just like this Gold Art event.

On his way to the appointment, Ronan passed by Gold Castle.

This is undoubtedly the liveliest spot in Gold today, completely overrun by media and tourists.

The castle was surrounded by flags and posters bearing large images of Andy Goldsworth.

There were probably hundreds of people crowded together to watch the British artist create live.

Ronan tried to go in and learn something, but he couldn't squeeze in at all.

It is said that there is a large screen in the castle broadcasting live, but Ronan could not even see the castle gate.

He left with some regret:
"The Provençal art world needs to step up its game if it wants to steal Andy Goldsworth's thunder. This place is more bustling than any other exhibition."

Ronan left quite early and arrived at the agreed restaurant a little early as well.

However, Mr. Llorente did not appear until after the agreed meeting time.

"I'm so sorry, so many friends have been coming to Gold lately. I keep running into acquaintances on the street, which has made me a little late."

Ronan, being very sensible, said:
"I understand, everyone's been coming to see art exhibitions lately."

Llorente took off his coat, sat down opposite Ronan, and said with a smile:
"But you know the friend I just met on the road, it's Juliet."

Ronan laughed when he heard that.

So it was his 'good older sister'.

Hey, is Juliet in Gold?
Could we talk to her about the Ministry of Agriculture's policies?

“That’s someone I know.” Ronan handed the menu to Mr. Llorente.

Llorente took the menu and said in a casual tone:
“Juliet said Ines is also in Gold, didn’t you know? Ines is actually an avid art collector.”

(End of this chapter)