Audio - UN: LaFleurDeParis

[repaintress]

[The voice that comes through on the network is elegant and precise - every word is weighed and considered before being spoken. ]

I am told this is a forum where one may solicit public opinion.

If there is one experience you could have again, what would it be?

What from your home do you find yourself missing the most?

Comments

[betenoir]

A painting is not a mere collection of colours. Regardless, you are familiar with cultures contrary to the mainstream, no? I expect those people will say the same about you in thirty years.

[repaintress]

Of course.

I hope they do. I would like nothing more. Whatever work I make must also be critiqued and hopefully improved upon. I look forward to seeing what is made by the next generations.

[betenoir]

You overestimate the average person.

[That, too, is not something he used to say.]

Work can change in numerous ways over decades, but its soul always remains constant.

[repaintress]

The average person's opinion is irrelevant. Somewhere in Paris, there is a boy or girl just beginning to toddle who will eventually create works of unparalleled beauty and genius. I would learn from the masters who come after me as much as the ones before.

I disagree. The soul of a work can respond to events it witnesses.

[betenoir]

Yet here you impose yourself on the imaginings of others, while demonstrating an opinion that never seems to change.

[repaintress]

Changing an opinion for the emotions of others is just as weak as refusing to change an opinion when presented with evidence.

Furthermore, you are not privy to my opinions. You are incorrect in your assumption it does not change.

[betenoir]

Certain situations deserve empathy instead of unfeeling logic, mademoiselle. Compassion is not weakness - and sometimes the need for harmony in relationships is of more importance than being correct. Human opinions are based as much on memories, hopes and dreams as facts. You should know this, as much as you should know what is reality and fact changes between one person and another.

For all you speak of the progress of art, you are still subliminating your opinions into something socially acceptable.

[He's not angry. Just disappointed.]

[repaintress]

[ She can be angry for them. ]

One's opinion does not change when one shows 'compassion': That is simply one person being quiet for the sake of the other. It is much easier to champion compassion when you are not the person being expected to quiet himself. Certain realities cannot be ignored for the sake of someone's feelings. It is weakness to expect others to quiet themselves or not correct me because of my emotions. Would you back away from this conversation if I said it were distressing, monsieur?

[ Clea is well aware he would not. How easy to argue for compassion when that means others bowing to your will. ]

How little you think of me that you think I have not formed my own opinions. Public opinion is not relevant. We occasionally find an accord, but that is not the source of my feeling. I recently learned that a taboo exists for a very good reason.

[betenoir]

You're very welcome to believe that, mademoiselle. And I am free to ignore you.

[That is one choice he can make. But it would be made with reservation, because he cannot afford to ignore her.]

Yet, here we are - enduring each other's company. I have made every effort to ignore you but I see that would be pointless.

[For at the end of the day, they want similar things, but for different reasons.]

[repaintress]

So you are. I encourage forming you own opinions.

[ He's welcome to ignore her except for practicalities if he pleases. Why he doesn't, she can't imagine. Perhaps he's taunting her, reminding her of when she used to have these arguments with Papa. ]

You initiated conversation with me. I will not apologize for speaking my piece.

act 3 spoilers I guess? just in case

[betenoir]

You solicited public opinion. I would lay the blame for this conversation at your feet, but that seems uncharitable. Your father has obviously broken your trust.

In a better world things would have been different. But your reality is what it is.

[Emphasis on yours.]

[repaintress]

You're the one who responded in order to begin an argument. That you want to assign blame to my audacity in disagreeing with you is proof of my point.

Don't speak about Papa. You have no right.

Anyone can live well in a fantasy.

[betenoir]

Live well?

[repaintress]

Apparently so given how preferable it seems to be to the alternative.

act 3 spoilers again

[betenoir]

[She is right that who she means is not living well at all. But being there is what She needs - and She needs him to defend her right to be there. There is no question in this choice.]

Consider asking why the alternative is preferable. Perhaps one day you'll understand.

[You see his pointy finger in this icon? That's him now leaving you on read.]