1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 335 Go to the stage where you can make a name for yourself

The Gold series of art exhibitions, which lasted for more than a month, is the largest and most professional art event in Provence in recent years.

Before this, this land had never attracted so much attention from international buyers; it turned out that these investors were more focused on the Paris art market.

As the intensive auctions began, the people of Provence gradually saw the 'true colors' of these international conglomerates.

Making modifications and adding unreasonable clauses to a completed work is already considered polite.

The consignor of Seibu Department Stores of Japan applied to the organizing committee to refer to them by their company code instead of their buyer numbers at the auction, breaking with a centuries-old tradition of the Provence auctions.

The reason they dared to make this request is that in the auctions that have already taken place, their total transaction volume accounted for a staggering 65%, and their monopoly on high-priced works reached 82%. Under the strong offensive of the Japanese conglomerates, local collectors were 'dimly overshadowed' in the first two days of the auctions, accounting for only 19% of the total transaction volume.

The organizing committee naturally rejected the Seibu Foundation's proposal.

This is Provence, where we still use the barter system from hundreds of years ago, and you, a foreign buyer, want to change my auction rules?
Who gave you the courage?
Seibu Department Store Group did not compromise. While proceeding with the auction as scheduled, they continued to put pressure on the organizing committee through several high-end wineries they had invested in.

Wine merchants, the largest sponsors of art events in Provence, have threatened to stop sponsoring any future art events if their investors are not respected.

This incident caused quite a stir, with various rumors circulating in Gordes. It was said that the president of the Provence Art Association slammed his fist on the table and told the wine merchants to "get out," thus standing up to the Japanese conglomerate.

Driven by various events triggered by foreign capital, local collectors who had previously maintained a calm attitude suddenly became "active" in this art event. In addition to well-known collectors making purchases, some newly wealthy collectors also stepped forward.

On the third day of the auction, they gradually gained momentum and engaged in multiple rounds of confrontation with international capital, finally managing to reverse some of their decline.

It could be said that beneath Gold's calm exterior lay turbulent undercurrents, with each auction as intense and brutal as a battlefield.

Andy Goldsworth's name appeared less and less frequently in people's conversations, and the crowds gathered in front of Gold Castle disappeared.

After viewing the exhibition, visitors prefer to find a pub or restaurant to sit down and listen to the people around them talk about the 'big events' that happened at today's auction.

“Mr. Thuram’s daughter really loves Zoe. She has bought another of her works. I guess she will also win a third of Zoe’s works.”

"That's because Seibu Department Store didn't participate in this competition. Do you think they'll lose twice?"

“Even without Miss Patricia, other local collectors would have made a bid. You have no idea how lively the auction was today. The woven artwork by that artist from Lourmaran named Batti sold for more than 6 francs in the ‘morning auction’, and it was a local collector who bought it.”

"The Provençal art world has won its battle against Andy Goldsworth, but do you think it can withstand the impact of other art and cultural influences represented by Andy Goldsworth?"

"It's tough, extremely tough. They're facing capitalists with real money in their pockets now."

"But have you ever considered that Andy Goldsworth's limelight was overshadowed by two new artists? Provence is never short of miracles; this land is blessed by the gods. I think Gold's most spectacular show is about to begin!"

"Oh right, isn't Ronan's painting up for auction tomorrow? His 'Lovebirds' only has a starting price of 7000 francs, is it going to be in the 'morning auction'?"

“That’s right, in the ‘morning auction’ session, the bidding increment is low, so how many rounds of bidding do they have to go through?”

"Can't we check the valuation after each round? What's the latest valuation for 'Lovebird'?"

"With the official endorsement of Marecchall and Zoe's on-site declaration of love, and being a dessert artwork unique to Provence, the estimated price of 'Lovebirds' soared from 50,000 francs to 220,000 francs. However, considering that Zoe's works sold for nearly double the estimated price, I estimate it could even reach 400,000 francs."

"God, don't those people's arms get tired from holding up those signs?"

The day before the filming of "Lovebirds" began.

Director Normand sent people to inquire about the situation for what seemed like the hundredth time, only to receive disappointing answers each time—Ronan's 'right to intervene' had not been exercised over the Seibu Foundation of Japan.

Knowing that Professor Normand had been troubled by this matter for several days, the assistant comforted him, saying:

"Although the Seibu Group did not withdraw, Ronan did not bow to 'capital'. He rejected all international buyers who made special requests, which has eliminated many competitors for us."

Professor Normand became even more anxious upon hearing this.

Because of the theme of "Lovebirds," Ronan was the most "tough" artist at this auction. While countless artists bowed to "money," he firmly said "no" to the international buyers who were "showing off" with their money.

According to colleagues on the organizing committee, Ronan's agent, Cotillard, made a bold statement:

"Anyone who dares to touch 'Lovebirds' doesn't need to ask me; I'll refuse them outright. That would be a desecration of Ronan and the artwork itself. Such a person doesn't deserve to own 'Lovebirds.' What we're looking for is a buyer who truly respects and understands it."

Normand was overjoyed to hear the news.

Isn't that describing me?

Who could respect it or understand it more than me?

This was originally a private matter, but the shrewd Marechal publicized it, making Provençal artists and collectors, who were already ignited with nationalistic passion, even more concerned about the ownership of the 'Lovebirds'.

Despite Ronan cancelling the purchasing rights of several international buyers, the number of bidders actually increased.

Ronan's reputation and popularity as an artist in Provence also rose accordingly.

Mr. Normand was filled with regret. His suggestion that Ronan's agent use the 'intervention power' to reduce competition had ironically created a much more difficult situation for him.

However, Mr. Normand could usually "take care of" local Provençal collectors through his connections and status; such "behind-the-scenes dealings" were quite common.

I can make up for what I owe you here elsewhere; there's a lot of room for maneuver.

But when Mr. Normand was dealing with the problem, he discovered that several local buyers were even more resolute than him, refusing to compromise, and each of them was a tough nut to crack.

In addition, there's the international buyer he doesn't know, and the Seibu Department Store Group Normand, who's all about getting things done with money, has prepared a 'special measure' that they'll probably only use as a last resort.

The assistant, rarely seeing Curator Normand show such seriousness, continued to reassure him:

“Director, the 40 francs collection fund you applied for this time is quite sufficient. We have a very good chance of acquiring ‘Lovebird’.”

40 francs is almost double the latest estimate!

With this budget, what artwork can't you buy in Provence?
Mr. Normand shook his head with a wry smile:

“Dai, ‘Lovebird’ was born in Provence. I just want to leave it where it was born and let art lovers in Provence know that the god of art has always been watching over this land, and that our artists have never stopped exploring and progressing. This is the duty and responsibility of the Granet Museum.”

Day sighed:
"Director, you should get some rest. We need to get up early for the morning session tomorrow."

Dai had attended many auctions with the curator, but this was her first time attending a morning auction.

Mr. Normand stood up and gave one last instruction:
"Go and call Professor Goldman again to make sure he and Alder are present tomorrow."

“Yes, curator.” Dai Yi nodded.

Early the next morning.

Ronan, accompanied by Cotillard, went to the Gold City Hall.

He refused to let Zoe and Batty accompany him.

Now that they're all Gold's 'celebrities,' they're watched wherever they go. Even if they're escorted to the door, they won't have a chance to whisper to each other. It's better to find a quiet place to wait for Ronan's good news.

Ronan also wore a formal suit today to show how much he valued the auction.

"If you are dissatisfied with some of the organizer's actions or practices after you go in, don't say it directly. Tell me and I will negotiate on your behalf." Cotillard values ​​the image of artists very much and is always willing to do the dirty and hard work.

Ronan said in a calm tone:

“Once I’m inside, I’m no longer the main character; the main characters are the artworks and the collectors.”

Cotillard reminds you:
"In Provence, artists are always the most important."

Ronan added with a smile:

“There are also local collectors, and Provence also respects the interests of local collectors.”

He listened attentively.

Local collectors who make significant contributions also enjoy special privileges.

The two chatted about the auction all the way and soon arrived at the Gold City Hall, where a large crowd of art lovers had gathered, eager to hear the latest news from inside.

Some shouted "Go for it!", some yelled "Long live Provence!", and others called out Zoe's name to Ronan.

Surrounded by these people, Ronan felt a sense of tension, as if he were about to go to war. His heart started racing.

Before entering the venue, the organizers still confirmed whether the 'right to interfere' was used.

Ronan had already intervened with more than a dozen buyers, making him the most involved in this event.

After confirming with Cotillard that no 'rude individuals' had escaped, Marecchall personally led them into the auction hall.

"Are you nervous?" Marecchal asked with a smile.

Ronan nodded:

"A little, but mostly I'm excited."

The rustic wooden door was right in front of him, and with each step he took closer, Ronan's excitement grew, as if the place just beyond the door was something he had been longing for for a long time.

Marecchall gently nudged Ronan's back, and the door creaked open, revealing a dazzling array of lights. Then, his equally excited voice came from behind Ronan:

"Go, go and step onto the stage where you can make a name for yourself."

(End of this chapter)