We arrived at the forum 5 minute lates. 'Well, it's better late than never' I thought to myself. We both entered into the venue, it was so big and fancy.
The grand facade of the Forum Auction House rose majestically from the heart of the city, its elegant lines and ornate details transporting passersby to a bygone era. The building's limestone exterior glowed warmly in the fading light of day, as if infused with the golden hues of a sunset.
A sweeping staircase, flanked by imposing marble columns, led to the main entrance. The heavy, bronze doors – adorned with intricate bas-reliefs of mythological scenes – swung open to reveal a spacious foyer. Here, a magnificent chandelier, crafted from hundreds of delicate crystal shards, refracted light into a kaleidoscope of colors.
Inside, the auction room itself was a masterclass in refined opulence. Plush, crimson carpeting muffled the footsteps of the elite crowd, while tiered seating areas and velvet-draped walls created an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. At the room's center, a podium stood poised, awaiting the evening's auctioneer.
Above, a magnificent dome – painted with frescoes of mythological figures and musical instruments – seemed to float, supported by delicate, gilded arches. As natural light faded, subtle LED lighting infused the space with a soft, ethereal glow.
To one side, the building's signature feature: a stunning, glass-enclosed atrium, housing a beautifully landscaped garden. Here, attendees could stroll, sip champagne, and contemplate their next bid amidst lush greenery and softly burbling fountains.
As night descended, the Forum Auction House transformed into a vibrant hub of art, luxury, and high-stakes drama – a place where masterpieces changed hands, fortunes were made, and history was written.
*Forum Auction House*
A majestic limestone facade, sweeping staircase, and bronze doors welcome visitors to the Forum Auction House. Inside, crystal chandeliers, plush carpets, and velvet drapes create an exclusive atmosphere. A stunning glass atrium and beautifully landscaped garden offer a serene oasis. As night falls, the Forum Auction House becomes a hub of art, luxury, and high-stakes drama.
Once the spacious hall was filled with people the auction began. "Oh my God, those sculptures are beautiful." Some people whispered to one another.
First item to be auctioned was,"The Imperial Emerald Jade" shone brightly, its vibrant green hue captivating all. This 18th-century Chinese jadeite figurine (10" x 6") featured a serene dragon wrapped around a lingzhi mushroom, symbolizing good fortune. Intricate carvings and translucent clarity made this masterpiece truly priceless.
It was sold to the highest bidder, a woman in blue silk. The next item was a black diamond, it was so beautiful, but I still found the auction boring. "What are we here for?." I ask lily, seeing nothing else could entertain me any more. She flashed me a smile, "You'll see my love".
A painting was brought, I was mostly captivated by the painting. "Emerge" is a breathtaking oil painting that captures the essence of transformation. Soft, golden light illuminates a lone figure rising from the shadows, petals unfolding from their shoulders like wings. The distant horizon beckons, symbolizing limitless possibilities. With each brushstroke, Aurora Wynter's masterpiece embodies the resilience of the human spirit, inviting viewers to step into the radiant light of hope and renewal.
"1 million, do I have 1 million" the auctioneer said, which I quickly raised my bidding board up. Surprising someone bids higher than I did. "2 million." He gentle man bids with a smile on his face. "3 million " I placed my bid higher than his.
"5 million." My opponent said with a smirk on his face. "7 million." I bid. "100 million." He said next, I was quite shocked but I was never the one to back down when I find something I am interested in. "200 million." I said aloud while giving him a haughty smile. I relaxed, knowing I won already not until I heard. "1 billion." Everyone went gasping and I myself couldn't help but gasp. 'What the fuck who spends so much on just painting I thought to myself'. I have money but not that type of money to waste on a painting.
"Anyone else?. The auctioneer asked. Going once, going twice, sold to that gentle man in blue." The auctioneer declared. I felt bad for having to lose but I won't be stupid to compete with such person. He would probably just be a daddy boy spending his father money lavishly.
The second and the fifth painting were as as to astonishing as the first.
The second painting was - Whispers of the Sea is a soothing watercolor painting that captures the serene essence of the ocean's gentle lullaby. Soft waves caress the shore, as sea spray and sunlight dance across the canvas. With each delicate brushstroke, the artist conveys the calming tranquility of the sea, beckoning viewers to surrender to its peaceful rhythms.
Third - Moonlit Serenade is a dreamy oil painting that transports viewers to a midnight concert under the stars. Soft moonbeams illuminate a lone musician, her instrument singing with sweet melancholy. The artist's masterful use of chiaroscuro and subtle color imbues the scene with intimacy and longing, inviting viewers to surrender to the beauty of the night.
Fourth - Horizon's Call is a breathtaking landscape painting that beckons viewers to explore the vast expanse of the unknown. Golden light illuminates the meeting point of earth and sky, as rugged mountains give way to endless possibility. With each brushstroke, the artist captures the thrill of adventure, inspiring viewers to chase their own horizons.
Fifth - Echoes of Memory is a poignant mixed-media painting that explores the fragile beauty of nostalgia. Vintage photographs, lace, and forgotten letters blend together in a delicate collage, evoking the bittersweet passage of time. The artist's nuanced textures and colors conjure the whispers of yesterday, inviting viewers to reflect on their own treasured memories.
The fifth painting caught my attention so I bid for it, unfortunately the annoying unlikely gentle man bided higher than me again. I felt frustrated, so I didn't bid any other item. I could see lily smiling about something but I never bother to ask her.