Locked into Art

Locked into Art

Ace is studying the art display. He likes some of the works but not all. Some are quite traditional; some are memorable but still recognizable. Then, of course, is the ultra-modern or abstract. There is one which just looks like an artist’s floor. Ace goes around the gallery and looks at each piece with an open mind. He thinks he knows what is depicted on some of the pictures, but it takes longer to figure out what the artist is trying to say. Ace is no expert, but he knows what he likes. He gives each picture equal time to seep into his mind. There is a fairly abstract piece showing some hills covered in very even very green grass. The next is an ariel view of a cup of coffee. That is what is depicted by a small brown circle. Then a mallard duck flies up from its lake as if startled by the presence of someone looking into his privacy. The next is a pile of paint and he tries to recognize anything in it but without any success. There is a modern representation of some metallic objects. The last picture is of a winter path through a forest. He can imagine himself walking along this path leaving foot-prints in the virgin snow. The last he sees is a lake at sunset or sun rise. The sun is peeping out from between a couple of mountains, a boat floats in the shimmering water and is a dark silhouette.

Ace needs a toilet and soon finds one. He uses it with relief for having a pee. The art exhibit was quite varied and needed a lot of thought reading the pictures hanging from nails in the wall. He rests sitting down. He sits in a soft chair in the gallery and as he thinks he slips into sleep. When he wakes, he realizes that it is quieter than usual and it has become quite late, The others from his group should be missing him. He makes his way quite quickly by use of the Exit signs. He makes it to the door in the front and pushes the door on the left. It does not open. He automatically tries the other door and finds it locked as well. He looks around for another way out but sees none. He realizes as he walked that he is becoming concerned. He walks around the gallery. The walk in his head is to find a way out He finds nothing. He goes back to the doors and tries them again but with no better result. He gives each door a shake in case one of them was not completely closed

“Hello” he calls out.

His call echoes in the hall and down the empty corridors. But all he hears is nothing. He tries office doors but finds them all locked.

“Good security” he mumbles with a tension in his voice. Why would they lock someone in without announcing what they were doing?

He wanders along corridors trying very door but with no success. The only sound he hears is the squeaking of his shoes on the polished floor. At last, he finds a notice-board and looks for any indication as to when he can get out. Surely the people he came with would notice that he was not with them. And come looking for the missing member of their party He nervously calls some of the names he remembers from his group. No-one answers.

He finds a seat in a place that looks like it would be a best place to see people when it opens. He sits and thinks when will a door be opened to allow someone in. He studies the noticeboard and sees opening time lists. It does not look like a door will be open for two days.

I can’t stay here for two days he thinks. I have things I want or need to do. It is like he has been imprisoned. His mind starts thinking of more dramatic ways to get out. What if he broke a window somewhere so he could squeeze out. Its too dangerous he thinks, what if he sustained a cut and started bleeding without a doctor or nurse to save him. Maybe he could attract attention by knocking on a window as someone is passing and ask them to find someone with a key. What a small thing to be dependent on for his freedom. Just one small key.

He looks for an emergency way out that would allow him to escape. Mmaybe a fire-alarm. He does try the fire alarm but again there is no noise. It must be switched off or maybe ringing in a distant location or in a police station. What if he took down a painting and set fire to it. No he’d need a few paintings. Maybe just a small one of two, maybe the one that is a pile of paint and he did not see any point to it. Maybe this is its point.

What’s the point in having a fire alarm that does not work or is switched off. Can he explain why he is there on his own. Does it sound sensible or will he be arrested for trespassing. His loneliness gives way to panic. How is he going to get out. Will he find something to eat or drink he thinks in more practical terms.

What a silly thing to do, to fall asleep in part of an art gallery. That is something I won’t do again. Its the best of intentions but it has to be remembered. If you want to fall asleep do it where staff can see you or go outside. Or go home to sleep there and maybe avoid art galleries in future. If you do want to go to a gallery, take a mobile phone to call for help or at least take a couple of days food.

I never thought that it was such a dangerous thing to do. Its not that I enjoyed seeing the paintings so much.