un: peintre | text

[betenoir]

[There is an image attached with a message to follow.]




Now you have seen this painting, I would ask you to close your eyes. One cannot view an image this large with any level of detachment, and I dare say observing it in this form is a poor representation of viewing it in the flesh. But there is an insanity to the art that one better understands after witnessing the horror of loss. The emotions of which claw around your heart and refuse to relent.

For me this piece is both unbearable and necessary. Ultimately paintings are supposed to share the truth and I believe it does so. But what does it make you feel?

I likewise ask you to share your favourite works with me. The world is so vast I fear there will never be enough time for me to experience them all.

Comments

un: hob (text)

[100more]

I have to agree with your assessment. If you've seen war, been to war, the madness and horror are reflected well here.

This one is not as famous, but I have a fondness for sailing vessels. They were beautiful in this time period. Works of art, themselves.

[betenoir]

You find it a window into the past. But likewise the past is a mirror of what we enjoy in the present.

There is a science to this composition. The artist is certainly technically skilled but lacks a touch of the heretical. It is not the kind of work I paint myself. But I will confess that is my personal grievance.

Still, do you find the present lacking? Given your fondness for their construction, studying vessels in a painting hardly seems enough. Would you not prefer to witness one in person?

[100more]

[ Everyone has their own taste when it comes to art. Renoir's questions at the end hit Hob a little personally. There is a reason he likes this sort of painting. ]

I guess you could say so. Back then, there was still a lot of discoveries to be made. A lot of world to explore, and there was peril involved in discovering it. Things aren't like that anymore.

Seeing a ship like that would surprise me. Especially here. But I would enjoy seeing one with my own eyes.

[ It's been a very long time since he has. ]

You're an artist? That accounts for how well you understand art.

[betenoir]

The sensation of danger. But more importantly the element of surprise. You crave both.

I imagine being here is quite the conundrum.

[To live in a world where one can access the entirety of knowledge on one's phone is a blessing and a curse. Imagine seeing a painting in your palm before seeing it with your eyes. There is the knowledge it exists but what about that sense of wonder?]

But to answer your question. Yes. Yes, I suppose I am. Though even an artist of my age finds it has much to teach me.

[100more]

At times, yes, but I was enjoying my peaceful, ordinary life before Etraya.

[ He'd had many adventures in the past, but it's true he still longs for it at times. That age of wonder. ]

Speaking of teaching, have you thought about it? There's a school here.

[betenoir]

I am considering seeing what the companion constructs here know about art. Their pieces from the beach lacked some technical skill. But was the heart there?

[Can robots make art? Also he is basically saying they paint like children.]

[100more]

Are you suggesting the robots may have feelings? Or.. a heart?

[betenoir]

No. No, I am more interested whether the possibility exists. Does their creator love them? That is perhaps the question we should be asking. Because if not...

[Does it bode well for them?]

[100more]

How can you determine something like that?

[betenoir]

You see what their paintings can make you feel. But just as important is whether you can accept those feelings are real should they fill you so.

[100more]

[ Hob wonders if such a test will really work, but he's no professional artist. ]

Do you think Aurora has a heart? Maybe you should try it on her, too.

[betenoir]

You propose an interesting scenario.

How would she react to art? Will her relations react the same? Or would we discover there are differences between them as there are with people?

Still, I suppose what matters more is whether she believes she is real...

[100more]

She could believe so but still not have the capacity to feel things as people do.

But I think Echo must care to some extent about the constructs. I've heard if you damage them, you can get into trouble.

[betenoir]

That's what children say about damaging something valuable. I suppose we have only our own perceptions on whether those robots are cared for as dolls or living creatures.

[Not that he is calling this person a child! He just finds the comparison fitting.]

[100more]

We must seem very childish to you, then. Playing by these rules. But I don't know the extent of the punishments. I don't generally go around breaking toys for fun.

[ Hob is not offended. More amused. ]

[betenoir]

Do you know if anybody has ever tried? I cannot imagine a place like this lacks any form of punishment.

[100more]

I believe so, but I don't know the details. You could ask on the network. I'm sure someone would share their experience.

[betenoir]

No. I am sure people would not welcome such an intrusive line of questioning.

But you have my gratitude for the suggestion. And of course your answer.

[100more]

I believe some wouldn't mind. Most are pretty forthcoming about their experiences here. That's how we all learn about this place.

At any rate, good luck with your experiments. I'm interested to hear the results.

Wrap?

[betenoir]

Of course. And please feel free to engage in discussion about painting at your convenience.

yup!

[100more]

Thank you. I will.

Text: Username - LaFleurDeParis

[repaintress]

[ There is no text, only a collection of images. ]

[betenoir]

[She has his attention. He refuses to send more.]

[repaintress]

Naturally.

[ text ] [ un. bluelion ]

[hauntedsnowfall]

I feel a great sorrow looking at this piece and every time I think I am done looking at it I find myself drawn back— I feel like I must keep looking and searching within it.

I see the battle fields I have fought on. The horror left in the wake of a Demonic Beast. My family.

I cannot say it is a beautiful work of art, but it lands a certain impact that hollows the soul.

[Instead of a painting Dimitri will send a photo of the insides of the church in Garreg Mach Monastery, a place that is from his homeland, but is here in Etraya somehow.]

[betenoir]

Why not consider the impact part of its beauty? Not all emotions embrace us with their warmth. But they always make us discern something in ourselves, even if such feelings are the result of our experiences leaving us bereft.

The place you share. It feels sacred.

[For reasons more than holy.]

[hauntedsnowfall]

While I do believe this artwork to be effective and powerful, I still cannot bring myself to call it beautiful. I know some can find beauty in violence and loss, but I have never been one of those people. There is no awe in monstrous acts and cruel realities for me. That is not to say I do not like this piece, quite the contrary. I do not think a piece of art's worth is measured in its beauty. I must admit, however, I am not well educated in the arts.

It was sacred place for many where I come from, but for me it was a place inside which I had come closest to feeling happy.

[It is strange walking its halls here in Etraya once more when the one from his world has been destroyed. The emptiness only adding to the compounding the feeling of loss.]

[betenoir]

Beauty is often mistaken for pure aesthetic. But it calls to us like a lantern in the dark. The inspiration beauty inspires within our minds, the pleasure, the satisfaction and the admiration. All are forms of beauty, no? I suppose one can best explain it as whatever one appreciates. Someone who has lost many can look upon this painting and feel a profound sense of joy because someone can connect with their grief, and so they cease feeling alone.

I would say that inspires a similar kind of feeling that keeps you feeling happy in such an important place.