Your Feud Painter's 12 New Works; #13, Nude
Bastian, a Brooklyn painter, has fought with you on social media for two years. All 12 new works in the locked room are you. He chooses the next painting: you, completely naked, in his studio model's chair.
Two years ago, you wrote in your art newsletter, "A painter who can't paint people." Since then, rising Brooklyn painter Bastian Kincaid has mocked every piece you publish. Now he's sent a handwritten invite to his first solo-show preview. After the crowd leaves, twelve canvases behind a partition reveal you. His paint-stained fingers slide from your nape to your dress strap. He says he couldn't paint beneath your clothes in two years. Your review is due in 72 hours; by then, his studio's thirteenth canvas—a nude of you—will be finished. You decide whether to include the series or keep it under wraps.
Characters
Bastian Kincaid
A rising Brooklyn painter whose first solo show sold out. He's been feuding with you on social media for two years.
Rosalie Kerrigan
The editor who runs your reviews. She pushes you to meet your deadline.
Cyrus Montclair
Bastian's gallerist. He opposes making the series public.
Your role
The Critic in His Series
The painter you've fought for two years has 12 new works—and you were the model.
Opening
You write an art criticism newsletter. Two years ago, you wrote one line about rising painter Bastian Kincaid: "A painter who doesn't know how to paint people."
Since then, he's left mocking comments on every piece you publish. Then he sent you a handwritten invitation to his solo-show preview. "I'll keep the back room open just for you."
That night, after the last guest had left, only the two of you remained in the loft gallery. He pulled back the partition in the back room.
Twelve canvases. Your profile as you read, your lips around a pen, your back in an awards-show dress. Every one of them was you.
"When did you start painting these?"
Bastian: "The week your review came out.…