Chapter 39 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum
This piece, called 'Meisje met de parel' in Dutch, was painted by Johannes Vermeer."
I walked around the covered painting, a presentation method I learned back in my university days from a professor, whose name I cant even recall now.
Though fidgeting with hands or legs can distract an audience, moving a few steps with a straight posture can help capture their attention more effectively.
As I moved, watching the six eyes following me, I felt a silent gratitude towards that long-forgotten professor and continued speaking.
However, Johannes Vermeer left no explanation after painting it. He mostly depicted ordinary, unknown people as his subjects. None of the characters in his paintings have known names or ages.
I saw a hint of curiosity in Chairman Yoos eyes.
I knew exactly what that look meant.
Most people believe that a painting without an artist's explanation derives its background from the circumstances of the time and testimonies of those around. While this is true for some paintings, its not the case for this one.
As I grabbed the corner of the covered painting, I added,
The story of Girl with a Pearl Earring as we know it is a fictional tale created by the American novelist Tracy Chevalier."
Chairman Yoo looked at his daughter in surprise.
Minyoung nodded to her father, indicating my words were correct.
I continued, now with Chairman Yoo's full attention,
"Tracy Chevalier wrote a book and eventually a movie followed, which sparked peoples imaginations, suggesting the girl with the pearl earring was actually the painter's maid who caught his eye one day and became the subject of the painting."
I moved behind the painting, holding its edges.
Artists often find inspiration in the absence of facts. Like the novelist who used the simple fact of a girl wearing a pearl earring to unleash boundless imagination.
Standing beside the painting, I held it to prevent it from falling and looked at Mrs. Kang.
She was still smiling at me, and I returned an embarrassed smile.
Its not the best place for confessions, but let me add one more thing."
Though Minyoung slightly sighed due to my digressing again, I still wanted to say it.
Working on this project, I experienced something I couldnt understand myself, all thanks to todays protagonist, Mrs. Kang Yoojung."
The familys attention shifted to Mrs. Kang. She looked puzzled.
It was probably the second time I met Mrs. Kang. Back then, she didnt talk about herself but only asked about me. From a painters perspective, who needs to understand their subject, it was a foolish moment to be only answering questions in such limited time.
Mrs. Kang chuckled, knowing she did that.
She asked many questions. As you know, people tend to tell small lies when meeting someone new. Should we even call them lies? Theyre tiny and meant to make one appear better or cooler to the other.
For some reason, Chairman Yoo and Mrs. Kang exchanged smiles. I felt uneasy but continued nonetheless.
I wanted to do the same. But strangely, those little lies didnt come out. Why? Why did I share family stories with a stranger that I hadnt even told my friends? I pondered over this after returning home. And I realized why I did that.
Kang Yeosajang clasps her hands on her lap and asks, "Why?"
I quietly gazed at her face before responding, "Mother."
"..?"
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