Lotus: Art of conversation

[Alessandra]

A touch of amusement tugs at her lips, “Too visceral? Hmm,” pausing, “Interesting.” But everyone was entitled to feel how they felt about art. Some art was supposed to make you uncomfortable.

“For me it is that the art focuses on the individual experience and a more subjective perception rather than objective reality or accuracy. The artists themselves strove to capture moods and emotions of their subjects’ using things like dramatic contrasts of light and dark. Those are what speak to me. I also enjoy the use of themes dealing with death and mortality, depicting ghosts, demons and otherworldly creatures. I find they stir up deeper and more intelligent discussions.”
Looking to Jenn, “One of my more treasured pieces that rarely leaves my office, is one that has sparked many conversations about what each individual see’s, and each, so far, has bee different. Perhaps one evening I’ll bring a couple pieces out and display them in Court.” Maybe.

Looking at the piece, “Ah. Well, if I remember correctly, it has to do with the contrast between divine love and human resistance. One is human, one is a Goddess, immortal. But it’s not a subject I have studied too deeply to dive much more than that. The longing between wanting to be together, but being able to.” Seemed pretty straight forward to her, but she had years of art study.

To Otto, “These are the Greek Myths, around for centuries. Just like your religion, they had their beliefs of what made a god and a goddess. Stories passed down through generations, not so different then your own.” Different part of the world, different god and religion.

Why was it sounding like she, the Savage, was the only one educated here?

“There could be other interpretations, I’m just giving what my knowledge is. Art is subjective, I don’t believe there is a right or wrong way to view a piece, there should be discussions on it.”

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I believe that is why these conversations are important." Jennifer states to Priscus Schneider. "The different interpretations that can in turn, affect our own interpretations. Perhaps even our beliefs."

"I would like to spend some time on that special artwork."
Jennifer responds to Alessandra solemnly. The artwork that spoke to Kindred, and to a Kindred who was special to Jennifer, was special in itself.
"I can see the moods and emotions of the subjects in the artworks here. Perhaps some time could be spent on the other work." A glance towards Priscus Schneider.
"Have you found much to remark upon regarding the piece of Kratos devouring his son?"

Dark eyes return to Alessandra briefly and then to the piece of artwork before Jennifer.
"I have not had a great deal of time around paintings that depict ghosts, demons and otherworldly creatures. Do you have any recommendations that I should start with, Sofia?" Jennifer inquires.

[Otto Schneider]

He certainly hadn't expected to feel this way when he initially accepted the invitation, but Otto was starting to think it might be worthwhile to start collecting art of his own. The fact that an expensive art piece showed off personal wealth was a plus, but the Prince had made a compelling case on the true value of art. "I must admit, it's a lot to consider, but also quite intriguing." Alessandra's description of the contrast between divine love and human willfulness was positively inspiring to the Priest. I think I may have to remember some of this for a sermon.

He decided to merely nod at the statement about Greek religious beliefs. Otto figured that saying nothing was probably the least offensive thing to do, even if he didn't actually intend to start an argument. Sometimes, the only winning move is not to play. The discussion regarding the particular piece in the Prince's office caught his attention, and the depth of the evening's conversation had made the Priest very curious, but he didn't fancy himself brave enough to ask to enter Alessandra's domain.

Jennifer's question caused him to quirk an eyebrow. He assumed 'Kratos' to have been a slip of the tongue, that she had actually meant 'Kronos.' He faintly recalled Kratos being a different Greek deity, but he wasn't aware of any other stories of child-eating. At least not any that had been put to canvas. "Well, the most immediate reaction I have whenever I see it is revulsion." He said frankly. "The titan is depicted with his victim already partially devoured, with bulging eyes as if surprised to be discovered." He tapped his foot lightly as he laid out his thoughts. "A supposedly divine being gruesomely feasting on their own offspring is rather horrifying."

"However," the Priest continued, eyes closed as he attempted to recall as much detail from the piece as he could. "I can't help but think about certain parallels between it and the Requiem. Sure, we don't literally devour people, and I understand if neither of you share my belief that Kindred are agents of the divine, but consider this: much like the titan, we are compelled to feed on others to ensure our survival. We are flatly superior to our prey, yet we fear that our hunts are discovered. I think that a Kindred in the throes of Wassail might wear a very similar expression if caught in the act." With eyes open and a grim expression, "Or perhaps it is closer to a depiction of amaranth."

Sofia? Huh. Well, I don't want to meet the Lord yet, so I won't even ask.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer is thoughtful for a moment as she looks over the artwork. She remains quiet for a few moments.
"I believe revulsion is an appropriate response. Although, I understand that other people have different responses. Especially other people who could feel emotions regarding the feeling between parent and child. That can apply to our own feelings regarding how we were brought into this world."
Jennifer referred to the Embrace.

Jennifer nods slightly.
"I can agree with parallels to the Condition that all of our persuasion must address. No matter how different our Families may be, there are similarities.
Thank you for attending the Salon this evening." Jennifer states with a pleasant smile. "I have appreciated the conversation and I am considering my own views. I look forward to discussing art in the future."