Act 2, Scene 2

The narrative began with Act 1, scene 1 on April 10, 2013.

To access all scenes, scroll to blog archive at the bottom of the page.

Velazquez gestures toward the table where David Newkirk, Valerie Holland, and Jennifer Aitken are seated. As the two approach the table, Newkirk stands, extending a hand to greet them.

Newkirk

Pablo, Diego; wonderful to see you. We just arrived ourselves. Diego Velazquez, Pablo Picasso, I'd like you to meet Valerie Holland, and Jennifer Aitken. 

Jennifer Aitken

Valerie Holland

Holland, smiling warmly

You'll join us I hope. I've been looking forward to meeting you both.

Newkirk and Aitken agree, and insist that the two newcomers have dinner with them. Velazquez and Picasso readily accept the invitation and pull chairs for themselves to the table. Cutlery and napkins appear as if by magic, and the party of five settles in for dinner and conversation.

David Newkirk

Newkirk

I hope you have been enjoying yourselves so far. I can't get over how many accepted my invitation. Venice is hard to resist at any time, but with the Biennale art also still here to see, how could you not want to join this group? Curiosity alone would have brought many, don't you think? Jennifer and I were just talking about this idea of artistic legacy, the notion of connecting various artistic influences through time – well, this "train" of linked achievements that, uh, inspired my creation of this event.

Picasso and Velazquez nod, and mutter an indication of their interest in the subject.

I was describing the connection between your work, Pablo and Diego's, and that of Paul Cezanne, for example, and that all of you were also somehow affected by Jacopo Tintoretto, regardless of whether there is any overt evidence of his work in yours. You both owe him a certain kind of debt, wouldn't you agree? ("Ah, Si "... emphatically from Velazquez, more agreement from Picasso)

My question for Jen was whether or not this idea of a creative or stylistic link with the past is one that still interests young artists of her generation. I think the answer is a qualified "yes," however the impulse seems to have been somewhat blunted, if I understand Jen correctly.

Ah, just a moment. (the pleasant-looking, middle-aged owner of the osteria has arrived at the table to ask about a choice of wine)
Buona sera. Tutto e bene?

Owner
Si, molto bene, grazie, e lei?

Newkirk
Molto bene, grazie. Vorremo due bottiglie di Sagrantino, per piacere. Il migliore che avete. Grazie. E anche dell'aqua minerale, con gas, per tutti.

Owner
Prego, signore. (leaves to get the wine and water)

Newkirk
I've ordered a wonderful Umbrian wine. They don't export much of it, at least not to Canada. And I asked him to bring the best he has (laughs). Since we are all together in this fantasy time-warp, we may as well also pretend that money is no problem and have the best wine, no?

Jen, explain to Pablo and Diego what you were telling me.