Van Gogh Reborn!

Chapter 151: Pine Tree (7)

Chapter 151 Pine Tree (7)

As Michellele headed to the shower, Henri took out the autograph he had been hiding and smiled.

He had bought most of Go Hoons masterpieces, such as <Sunflower>, <Guest>, and <Frosty Field>, but he didnt intend to buy all of his works.

Even though he could afford it, the only paintings by Go Hoon that moved his heart were the three he owned and the concept art <Bullet> from the movie Giamseong.

The autograph was nothing compared to the work he would face today.

Henri carefully tucked Go Hoons sunflower autograph between the books.

Go Suyeol

Henri Marso couldnt forget Go Suyeols <War> that was displayed at the Venice Biennale 19 years ago.

The opening ceremony of the 2009 Venice Biennale made the 14-year-old boys heart race.

The streets filled with people leading to the Genovio Palace. Cheers and laughter erupted everywhere.

The boy, Henri Marso, was thrilled by the street where photos of Rome fluttered like fallen leaves amid the exotic music.1)

What kind of amazing works would be in the main exhibition?

Henri Marso, who was full of anticipation, was captivated by the paintings hanging on one side of the Genovio Palace garden.

Fourteen pine trees drawn on paper.

One was burned and charred, and another was split in half.

There was a pine tree with only the trunk left, and a tree with no branches or leaves.

The fourteen pine tree paintings displayed here and there turned the beautiful Genovio Palace garden into a battlefield.

Henri Marso realized after a long time that it was a work depicting the Korean War that broke out on June 25, 1950.

<War> was a work that compared the Korean people who were sacrificed in the war to the pine trees that were destroyed by bullets and fire, and the fourteen paintings were one composition.

For Henri Marso, who had captured the world on a flat surface, Go Suyeols <War>, which used the space itself by placing various pine tree paintings around the park, was a huge shock.

Nineteen years have passed since then.

He couldnt help but look forward to what kind of work he would show after that long wait.

*

{Thank you for today}

{And the incentive is confirmed} 08:37

Hehehe.

Kim Ji Woo, a reporter for the monthly magazine Ye Hwa, smiled as she checked the message from her editor-in-chief, Lee Sang Chul.

The article with the photos of Go Hoon and Henri Marso had caused a big buzz.

The views had already surpassed the incentive standard last night, and she also received an encouraging message from the representative this morning.

She had no basis, but she had a feeling that they would give her a lot of money for her summer vacation.

Maybe I can stay at a hotel for a day?

Kim Ji Woo, who was planning to visit the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria this year, looked around with excitement.

The Seoul Museum of Art area had been crowded with people since an hour ago.

She couldnt help but enjoy the atmosphere of the solo exhibition of Go Suyeol, the pine tree.

I wonder if it will really happen.

Kim Ji Woo had hoped that Go Hoons Sweet Happiness would gain a lot of interest from the general public and revive the art world in the spring.

But in the summer, Go Suyeol, the giant of the Korean art world, came out after 19 years and made the whole of Korea noisy, and it seemed that her wish was coming true.

Whose car is that?

Its Henri Marso!

Get out of the way!

Then, a golden Rolls-Royce arrived in front of the Seoul Museum of Art with security guards in front and behind.

The reporters rushed to surround it. Kim Ji Woo also tried to squeeze through the crowd.

The guards pushed the reporters away and Henri Marso got out of the car with a frown.

Henri Marso! What do you think of Go Suyeols paintings?

Do you plan to add more works to the Marso Museum?

I heard you especially like Go Suyeols paintings! How many do you own?

The reporters poured out questions.

The media had to pay attention to what works he would buy after some of his collections were revealed in the movie Giamseong and the construction of the Marso Museum began.

But the tycoon, who said he would exhibit all the works that inspired him, hadnt bought any new works for a few months.

Some speculated that it was because he was aiming for Go Suyeols works.

According to the Seoul Museum of Art press release, there is only one work for sale this time! Do you intend to participate in the auction?

Henri Marso ignored the reporters who swarmed like flies and headed to the museum.

The reporters who tried to talk to him were disappointed, and Pierre Malo, a world-renowned frame maker, appeared.

Kim Ji Woo looked back and forth between the museum entrance and Pierre Malo, and decided to move.

She couldnt interview aggressively inside the museum, but today she decided to cover how Henri Marso appreciated Go Suyeols works, and how his grandson and genius painter Go Hoon saw his grandfathers works.

She grabbed a candy at the entrance and went inside.

Where.

Kim Ji Woo looked for the floor plan of the Seoul Museum of Art.

Today, the Seoul Museum of Art dedicated the first, second, and special exhibition halls to Go Suyeols solo exhibition Daehan.

The first exhibition hall was named Courage, the second exhibition hall was Love, and the special exhibition hall was Pine Tree, which reminded him of his nickname.

Where did Henri Marso go?

She looked around to find Henri Marso.

A boy caught her eye.

Go Hoon, who was hiding his face with a cap, a scarf, and sunglasses indoors, was with his friend Cha Si Hyun.

You should wear it too.

No.

Why not?

Its embarrassing. Even my grandmother doesnt wear it like this.

People will find out that Im with you.

So what?

Hoon-ah.

Kim Ji Woo greeted him warmly, but the boy didnt react.

She wondered if she had seen him wrong and leaned in to take a closer look, but Go Hoon turned his head.

Whats wrong? Huh?

Are you mad because of the photo yesterday?

I dont know what youre talking about.

Go Hoon said in a different tone than usual, and Kim Ji Woo crouched down and smiled.

How do you like your grandfathers exhibition? Have you seen it before?

Youve got the wrong person.

Huh?

Im not Go Hoon.

Go Hoons cold attitude made Kim Ji Woo pout.

Everyone said you were cute. Tell me which photo you hate and Ill take it down. Calm down.

Go Hoon didnt answer, so Kim Ji Woo tried to lighten the mood by changing the topic.

Did you sleep well yesterday? Hows your head?

Go Hoon sighed deeply and took off his cap and sunglasses.

This wont do, I guess.

Pfft.

Kim Jiwoo barely held back his laughter.

He wondered why Go Hoon was dressed like someone from an elderly hiking club, but it seemed like he tried to disguise himself.

Go Hoon licked his lips.

Im not doing an interview today.

Why not?

Not just today, but for a while. Im so embarrassed because of you, reporter. The video of me singing, and yesterday too. I cant live like this.

Huhuhu.

He couldnt help but laugh when the 11-year-old boy said he was so embarrassed that he couldnt live with a serious expression.

Then just one. Do you know where Henri Marso is?

The special exhibition hall.

Thanks. Ill contact you later.

Im not doing an interview.

How about cheesecake?

A whole one, not a slice.

Go Hoon looked hesitant.

Have you ever had souffl cheesecake?

Souffl?

Its super soft. I know a place that makes it delicious. I bought it for you.

Kim Jiwoo smiled and tilted his head, and Go Hoon asked Chashihyun.

Is it good?

Yeah.

Go Hoon thought for a moment and agreed to the interview.

Then see you later.

Yeah. Have fun exploring.

Kim Jiwoo headed to the special exhibition hall to find Henri Marso, but Go Hoon and Chashihyun got into a fight.

Look. Its your fault we got caught. Hurry up and do this.

I dont want to.

Meanwhile.

Henri Marso nodded his head as he looked at the pine tree that had shaken his heart, painted by Gosuyeol.

There were rumors that his style had changed or that he couldnt paint anymore, but Gosuyeols works were all elegant and refined, regardless of time.

Indeed.

Henri Marso nodded his head as he looked at <The Pine Tree of Rank>, drawn with ink on a 3m high and 1.8m wide paper.

Michelle, who was admiring the work with him, also exclaimed softly.

He felt the majesty of the pine tree that had a long history with just a few strokes.

Even though half of it was severely damaged, it stood firmly without bending its will, making the viewer feel reverent.

Michelle wondered why the pine tree in <The Pine Tree of Rank> was hurt, and why he expressed it as it was.

What does The Pine Tree of Rank mean?

Henri Marso shook his head.

He didnt have much knowledge about Korea either, so he couldnt fully understand Gosuyeols <The Pine Tree of Rank>.

But he could feel that the pine tree in the painting had preserved some value in the midst of the storms of time.

You seem to like it.

Jang Mirae approached Henri and Michelle, who were admiring the work.

Michelle greeted Jang Mirae with a smile, and Henri Marso showed his respect by giving his attention to one of the few artists he acknowledged.

Michelle asked.

I dont understand the title, can you tell me what it means?

Its a rank.

Jang Mirae told the story behind <The Pine Tree of Rank>.

600 years ago, when the king of Joseon was traveling, this tree was in the way. Then the branches opened by themselves and he was impressed, so he gave it a rank.

It was a legend that seemed to exist somewhere.

Then its an imaginary painting?

Not really. Its in a place called Boeun. It was doing well until 40 years ago, but the branches were damaged by heavy snow, so it looks like this now.

Michelle nodded.

But it still has dignity. Is it like this in reality?

I dont know. I havent seen it recently. But in my opinion, it seems to reflect the people of our country. They are a nation that has suffered a lot of hardships.

Henri Marso nodded his head at Jang Miraes explanation.

Gosuyeols painting contained sadness, loneliness, and strong will.

The intense desire to overcome the tragedy and the dignity that sprang from it were the identity of the pine tree.

He said he didnt know what Korean painting was yet, but he couldnt find anyone who painted more Korean than him.

Then take your time and enjoy.

Thank you, Jang.

Henri and Michelle exchanged greetings with Jang Mirae, but Henri Marso couldnt move for a while in front of <The Pine Tree of Rank>.

***

1. Kim Atas opening performance at the 2009 Venice Biennale.

Kim Ata (1956~), a Korean photographer, scattered 10,000 photos of Rome printed on paper from behind a 10m high ladder truck, along with Korean nursery rhymes such as Forward and Half Moon, and received a great response.