The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 13 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

At an Italian restaurant in Yeouido.

Heo Il-Woo, the manager of MG Electronics' marketing team, cautiously spoke to Monica.

"Are you really going to choose that painting?"

Monica, tasting the appetizer of goat cheese and pepper with onion soup, silently nodded her head.

Team Manager Heo glanced at a man sitting opposite her, who wore a serious expression.

"What do you think, Department Head Kim?"

In a large corporation, a department head might not be perceived as very powerful, but those with this title in a business division are among the most powerful and responsible.

Department Head Kim, looking unperturbed, quietly observed Monica, who was focused on her lunch, and then spoke up.

"Senior Designer Monica."

Monica, still sipping her soup, responded.

"Yes."

At first glance, it might seem impolite, but the position of a senior designer is actually higher than that of a department head.

After scanning the surroundings, Department Head Kim spoke in a low voice.

"I've seen the painting you selected. I can understand the choices for the first and second prizes, but the grand prize is incomprehensible. Are you really planning to award it to that painting?"

Watching Monica only nod her head while eating her spoonful of soup, Department Head Kim touched his forehead and sighed.

"The prize money for the competition is not a waste. It's a small amount after all. However, the manpower and time invested cannot be wasted. If such a painting, which is not even suitable for design, is selected as the grand prize, not only our internal staff but also the contestants who participated in the competition will not understand."

Finally, Monica put down her spoon, wiped her mouth carefully, and spoke.

"It's a simple problem to solve."

Both Department Head Kim and Team Manager Heo looked surprised.

"Excuse me?"

With her beautifully manicured hands, Monica brushed her hair back and said.

"Isn't it a problem that can be solved if a wonderful design that everyone can understand comes out?"

".................."

"That's why I'm here. Did you really think to ask the participating artists to design refrigerators?"

".................."

The two men had no counterargument to her valid points.

A competition is just that. Even if the artwork of the entries ends up on refrigerators, it's the role of MG's design department to create a design that complements the artwork.

Monica pushed aside the ciabatta, eggplant dish, and salad served as pre-meal bread, wiped her hands, and said.

"Since I am in this country, I should follow the rules of this country, right? In my country, it's considered very rude to talk about work during a meal."

Both men again became speechless. Monica looked at them and said.

"Even if you're not interested in art or design, you must have heard of Vincent van Gogh, right?"

As both men nodded, Monica continued.

"Do you know which of Van Gogh's paintings sold for the highest price?"

As the men shook their heads, Monica said.

"There are two notable works. The first is 'Portrait of Dr. Gachet' which was auctioned for $82.5 million (about 89.2 billion won) in 1990. Then, in 2018, a painting titled 'Orchard with Cypress' from the collection of the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen was sold for $117.2 million (about 160 billion won), setting a new record."

The amount was staggering, but the two men listening didn't grasp the context of the conversation. Why was she talking about the prices of Van Gogh's paintings in the middle of a conversation about the competition?

Reading their puzzled looks, Monica continued.

"Let's talk about the Portrait of Dr. Gachet, which sold for $82.5 million in 1990. It was bought by a Japanese paper tycoon named Ryoei Saito. So, how much do you think Van Gogh sold that painting for during his lifetime?"

Both men, aware that Van Gogh was not recognized during his lifetime but not knowing the price of his paintings, remained silent. Monica, curling her fingers into a circle, said.

"Zero."

The men, surprised by this revelation, asked.

"Are you saying he didn't receive any money? For a painting that fetched such a high price in modern times?"

Monica leaned on her chin and laughed.

"Van Gogh committed suicide with a pistol in Auvers-sur-Oise. The painting was made in lieu of medical fees for Dr. Gachet, who treated him."

Department Head Kim asked in astonishment.

"So... he painted that as payment for medical fees? A painting that's worth $82.5 million?"

Monica shrugged her shoulders and said.

"Back then, it wasn't even worth $8."

"Because it wasn't worth $8 at the time."

Monica looked at the two quietly and opened her mouth.

"It's the same situation now."

The two looked at each other and exchanged glances.

'What the hell is she talking about? Do you know?'

'I have no idea, sir.'

Monica cleared her throat and said.

"Let me ask you a question. Director Kim?"

"Yes?"

"Imagine you went back in time and met Van Gogh. There is his picture in front of you. Van Gogh is desperate to sell his paintings to make a living."

".?"

"You saw Van Gogh selling his paintings in the market, such as Starry Night or Cafe Terrace at Night. The price of the picture is about $10. What would you do?"

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