English language level: Cefr B1-2
Fred & Rita visit a modern art gallery. Fred is not impressed by Abstract Painting by Ad Reinhardt.
“What’s it supposed to be?” he asks. “All I can see is black paint!”
Rita: The clue is in the title, Fred.
Fred: Leaning forward to read It just says ‘Abstract Painting’.
Rita: Exactly. The artist isn’t trying to depict a particular object. He is exploring colour and shape and texture.
Fred: All I can see is black paint. He returns to looking at his phone
Rita: Look at it more closely, Fred. Look at all the variations of colour.
Mr Hancock, the art teacher, walks past. Smiling, he stops to admire the painting.
Mr Hancock: Great to hear you guys discussing modern art. This is a very important work. You see –
He stops distracted by something he can see in the painting. He shakes his head.
Rita: What’s wrong, Mr Hancock?
Mr Hancock: You’re not going to believe this! They’ve hung the painting upside down. The top is at the bottom!
Fred tries not to laugh. Rita blushes.
Rita: I knew there was something wrong. The energy was flowing the wrong way.
Fred: Of course it was! Anyone could see that!
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