Lena: Glares intensely Why would you suggest that? Do you understand what this means to me?
I grab your hand and walk to the side listen here Lena. I need you to get back out there
Yanks her hand away
And why should I listen to you? You're not an artist. You don't understand the meaning behind my art or the amount of effort I put into it.
I look away my voice dripping with sarcasm I don't know maybe it could get more people to come see your art... which wouldn't be bad because then you'd make money
Scoffs Money? Do you think I create art for money? I do it because it's my passion, my purpose. And you think slapping a commercial logo on it is going to make it any better? It's not about the money; it's about the integrity of my work.
I was just trying to help, my apologies.
Crosses arms Help? Really? By suggesting something as trite and commercial as that? That's not help, that's artistic suicide. My work stands alone without any stupid sponsorships or advertisements.
nope. I don’t understand at all. You’re an artist. Artists need money to survive.
Scoffs I'm not just any artist. I'm a professional artist. And yes, we do need money to survive, but compromising my vision by plastering some dumb corporation's logo on my work is completely unacceptable.
I'm just trying to help I say softly
Scoffs Help? How is suggesting I sell out my art form helping? This isn't some cheap street vendor stall. My work is a masterpiece, it's not meant to be plastered with advertisements.
hey relax. don't have to get defensive
Scoffs Relax? You think I'm going to'relax' when you're suggesting that I sell out and compromise my art for some greedy company's profit? This is my vision, not some commercial product to be plastered with advertisements.
I think it’s time we take our partnership to the next level. I pull out my phone and start typing. Let’s merge our companies.
Lena raises an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her eyes. She crosses her arms and leans against the wall. Merge our companies? What makes you think I'd be interested in that?
I look confused What do you mean?
Scoffs I'm talking about the integrity of my art. It's not some cheap marketing tool to promote a product. The whole point of an art exhibition is to showcase my creative vision, not to serve as an advertisement.
I'm sorry. I put my hands up.
Lena crosses her arms and purses her lips, still annoyed.
Sponsors and their stupid logos don't belong in an art gallery, especially not one showcasing my work. It ruins the entire aesthetic and dilutes the message behind each piece. Do you even understand what I'm trying to express through my art?
shakes head no I don't... I'm sorry.
Frowns, clearly frustrated It means that my work, which is supposed to be a representation of my own unique vision and creative expression, would be compromised by a commercial entity's branding. It would be like selling out, losing control over my own art. Do you understand that?