For Lovers Only - [A Zarry Stylik]©️

XXXVII- UNDER THE SHINNING SUN

Z,

"So, what do you think?"

I paused for a moment looking at the sight in front of me.

"This is brilliant."

"Right. I mean, she's a natural. Look at those colours, that depth, the detail of it all. She's amazing."

Part of my job involved dealing with new artists. Hence the presentation with new talents that we did once a year under a theme and dedicated to all forms of art.

What happened after?

We'd welcome a few hand-selected artists back again this time for a solo presentation, followed by a period of the exhibition. This was a way for the market, and for the public in general, to have access to this breath of fresh air and appreciate the value of the artist by themselves. It was also possible, for those who wish, to buy art directly at the exhibit.

Jordan was one of those artists. The work she submitted under the superhero theme was just amazing and she was the talk of the town the entire night. The stroke of her brush was very detailed, very clean and secure. Her paintings almost resembled photographs of a moment forever captured in time. Perfect they are. I knew she had the talent. It was up to me to give her a platform for it to shine.

This is where Nick came in.

Despite his very turbulent relationship with Louis, he and I managed to maintain a healthy business relationship. I did my best to stay away from the drama.

Nick was Jordan's agent and I had been invited to view her work in person. She was yet to come to see me, but it was better this way, artists can be tremendously insecure and anxious for this to happen and it's best to deal with someone neutral. Even if that someone was Nick.

"So, what do you say?" Nick asked, standing next to me.

We were facing a gigantic depiction of a tree. It was painted with such detail I had to glue my nose to the canvas to understand it was a painting, not a photograph. I could feel the breeze rustle the leaves.

The light came from the left side of the canvas, casting a contrasting dark shadow. The tree leaves were green, but already with specks of yellow, indicating the changing of the season. Behind the tree was a background of mountains and a lake stretching out forever. It was a picture of loneliness, but also beauty. It was a depiction of how, despite all the changes in the world, if one is strong and cemented in one's roots, time does not break you.

I thought it was beautiful.

I knew Nick was eager for my answer, but I wanted to make him sweat a bit more. The trick with these agents was to always keep them on their toes. Make them beg for it.

My phone vibrated in my pocket with a text message. Casually, I reached out for it, taking my time and letting my answer drag out. I have been doing this for a while and, one thing about art is that it requires patience - both in the process of creation and what happened after.

On my phone was a text from Louis.

Lou: I'm here.

Are you sure I'm in the right place?

Coz, I feel I'm going to get mugged and have my kidney stolen.

Me: Yes.

I'll ask someone to open the door for you.

Lou: Cheers.

Freezing my balls out here.