Aditya Chowdhury

Portrait

Part 1:

It was almost midnight. Henry had just finished painting the abstract painting of African tribal women. Henry was always fascinated about art and he considered perfection as one of its inherent virtue. He started viewing the picture from different angles to assure about his accuracy in that piece of art. He was also a little confused that whether he should add or remove something. The clock struck twelve and its sound alarmed him that he was getting late to sleep, because he has to rise early tomorrow and hoping that it turn to be a fruitful day of his life.

Henry was a usual late riser and taking all precautions to rise early, he failed again. He quickly brushed his teeth and rushed towards the breakfast table, where he found his father and elder brother Albert. They were both having their breakfast quietly. Feeling his son’s presence Henry’s father broke the silence and asked “have you decided how to earn your living……………. “Your stupid pictures are not going to feed you for the rest of your life”

“Father that’s my passion, you told me that grandfather was also an artist’

‘Yes! He was!!............ But that did not help his family, he died leaving a huge liability on my shoulders…………………………. (Albert giggled), end of conversation. I have seen an artist and I am not interested in seeing another in my house.

With grief in his face Henry finished his breakfast. After his father left the house Henry was about to leave also and while passing through the kitchen, he found Albert was still seating on the breakfast table. Albert gazed towards Henry and exclaimed

‘I saw your picture …………………. Henry, It’s really marvelous (There was a smile in Henry’s face)……I can sell it at a much higher value. I know someone…….:”

“Albert!!!! This painting is not for sale”

The negative reply did not affected Albert’s mood much.

“Ok Henry…… you are going out some where……..I will drop”

“No thanks but………..”

“I will not try to convince you on the previous matter……… by the way where are you going”

“Calcutta Art Gallery”

“Both the brothers mounted on Albert’s motorcycle and they rode their towards park street. Near the congested traffic of Mallickbazar Albert stopped his vehicle

“Ok”

Albert dropped his brother near the crossing; Henry was about to go but Albert called him back and said “Listen Henry, I want to talk to you”

“I do not want to discuss anything about that painting Albert”

“I am not talking about that painting Henry!!........... Henry I know that you posses enough creative skills. But the skills are of no use unless you earn something Henry………………… Do you get my point?”

Henry nodded his head and headed towards Calcutta Art Gallery. He intended to submit his recent portrait for the upcoming competition. Inside the building he saw a lady at reception and he thought it would be the best place to enquire about that submission procedure. Coming near to reception box Henry asked the lady ‘Madam …… I want to submit my painting for today’s competition’

The woman replied “I am sorry sir; Yesterday was the last date of submission’

“Madam please ………… I have waited long for this moment’

“I am sorry sir…………….I cannot help you on that issue. You can submit your painting for the next exhibhition”

“But that exhibhition is 3 months later………………….. And only reputed artists are allowed to participate. I don’t think I will be eligible”