8. Objectively, beautiful et Martin’s latest novel offers a crash-course in art, if not fiction By Sharon Miki hat is lost when something, or someone, crosses the threshold from something to be admired to something to be coveted? What happens when one turns “objects of beauty into objects of value”? An Object of Beauty (Grand Central, $29.99) chronicles the 20- year art-world ascension of ruthless vamp Lacey Yeager, from the Sotheby’s basement to high-priced uptown galleries in the dizzying New York art scene. Narrated through the meekly sardonic lens of Lacey’s long-time friend and admirer, Daniel Franks, the story wryly comments on the seemingly arbitrary economic rollercoaster of the art world, with Lacey’s personal career-path serving as witness. Steve Martin, who rose to fame as a television and film entertainer, has quietly developed numerous sub-careers as a musician (he won a Grammy award in 2010 for his banjo- filled bluegrass album), screenwriter, art collector and novelist. An Object of Beauty is Martin’s third novel, following 2000’s Shopgirl, which was later made into a film starring Martin, and 2003’s The Pleasure of My Company. Reading An Object of Beauty, it is quickly clear that Martin is an astute observer of the human condition and a good writer. Through his narrator’s musings on Lacey’s life, Martin provides a startlingly crisp and nuanced portrait of the unique culture and personalities that frequent the various angles of the art scene. From the multi- grottoed ecosystem of assorted New York neighbourhoods, to Russia, to Boston, to California and Asia, Lacey flits across the art world in her dealings, dragging the reader along with her. While the story is well-written and obviously well-intentioned, its main characters seem to follow the lead of the champagne one imagines is frequently enjoyed in the story’s world; they sparkle and pop initially, but ultimately fall flat. Daniel’s narration is largely unnecessary, functioning more as a Martin-toned 8 voiceover than as a substantial character. Worse, as Daniel himself admits, the character seems to devote nearly two decades of his life and risk personal ruin for the whims of a sometimes-friend. Lacey is meant to be a figure of intrigue who apparently is able to charm her way through the high-rollers, yet her cold unfeeling demeanour leaves the reader feeling unconvinced as to why she holds such mythical-like powers over those around her. Lacey is sexual, with frequent unexplained references to her penchant for “vibrating herself,” and yet is seemingly incapable of any other serious emotion. In this way, Lacey is ultimately a character that the reader wants to root for, but doesn’t. What An Object of Beauty lacks in character development, however, is nearly forgiven by its unique show- and-tell strategy for educating the reader on its subject-matter. Scattered throughout the novel are 22 colour reproductions of the artworks being described by the story. By using the eclectic mix of art as a device to move the plot forward, Martin manages to keep the reader engaged in the story—if only to see what piece might come next. Overall, An Object of Beauty lacks the level of believable characterization to make it a great literary work. However, Martin’s novel is still worth reading, if not skimming, for its crash course in derisive cultural commentary and visually-aided art history. But, then again, it’s always possible that, like the masterpieces described in the novel, I might not be sophisticated enough to fully appreciate the book’s value as a work of art. Jan6-8 By Cody Klyne, Arts Editor inter break was great. Spending time with friends, family, and all the other cool people in our lives and, even though you probably indulged more than you should have, you’re totally prepped for 2011 and can walk away from 2010 feelin’ good... right? The truth is you’re probably already stressing out about the new semester. The weight of last year, and the year before, and the year before, have only further compiled into what is more commonly known as “baggage.” Thankfully, for most, the first week of classes is usually the most lax of the semester; so take your time! Stretch out, sit back, and ease yourself into the flow of things. Before you know it, you'll be churning out reports and writing your midterms. Happy New Years! Thursday, January 6 The Arts at One weekly live music performance, running nearly every Thursday throughout the semester, has become something of a tradition at the college after 20 years. Pop by the Laura C. The welcome back edition performance featuring the works of Bach, Villa-Lobos, and more! Admission is always free, and with new performances each week, there’s bound to be something for everybody. Friday, January 7 In the list of things that I like more than the first week back at school, and trust me, it’s a big list, Friday nights spent at The Biltmore would be somewhere at the top. $10.00 at the door gets you in for what should be a great night of music from local bands 41st & Home, Oh No! Yoko, and The Oh Wells. Brought to you by the folks at VancouverlsAwesome. com and Discorder magazine, it’s the perfect kinda party-party to keep your holiday mellow going that necessary extra day, or two, 0} three... Saturday, January 8 If staying home and watching the Canucks take out the Detroit Red Wings on a Saturday night isn’t your jam (7:00pm), why not head down to The Rio Theatre and catch Tron Legacy before it’s gone? Last year’s seizure inducing -seizure blockbuster is this year’s.. Muir Performing Arts Theatre inducing blockbuster. CGI Jeff for 1:00pm sharp and observe Bridges compels you. Ss rousing chamber music E i: A