Hello.
Hi there.
Can you tell me how to get to New Cross?
New Cross or New Cross Gate?
I'm not sure.
Where are you going?
Do you know the Goldsmiths College?
Yeah, that's New Cross Gate.
Bus, train, or underground?
Tube?
Subway?
Er, which is the cheapest?
Cheapest is the underground.
Have you've got an Oyster card?
Don't worry about it.
If you go over there,
take the underground from here
on the Piccadilly lines to Green Park.
From Green Park, you take the tube around here
to Canada Water.
And from Canada Water,
you take the overground to New Cross Gate, not New Cross.
Overground not underground?
It's just another line.
Take this map.
You'll be fine.
It's just over there.
Thank you.
Piccadilly?
These are all pieces from the graduate show.
They will all be cleared by next class.
A few of them were bought by art collectors.
Many will end up in landfill.
That's right.
And what is the difference between the two?
Is it technique, talent?
Partly.
That is what you're here to develop.
But no, the main difference between the two,
those who sell and those who don't, is luck.
Call it luck, call it zeitgeist,
call it whatever you want,
but one can never predict the appetite of the buyer of art.
It's a lottery.
So, what you're saying is we're all gonna starve?
Now, if you want to make a living
and eat well by your art,
you will need more than talent.
You will need business.
You all need to learn how to market yourselves.
Won't that affect our artistic integrity?
Probably, so go out and get yourself an agent
who will do it for you.
And finally,
and I can't emphasize enough,
guys, get out of the studio, yeah?
Feast on the incredible variety of art and culture
this city has to offer.
Not just galleries and paintings,
theater, alternative cinema, music, dance, food.
London has it, all, everything.
Just eat it all up, you know?
Just throw money at it,
just get it inside you.
Once it's all digested, and if you're lucky,
you may come to find some of it spilling out on your canvas.
And maybe your work will be special, not just office art,
but something unique to you.
Pretension and bullshit goes a long way too.
This is the world.
This is the reality.
This is how it is.
The rest is up to you.
You can't do it by talking.
You need to live life.
You know, that's where art, that's where your love,
that's where your passion comes from.
That's it.
Off you go.
Mm, wow!
So, you can mix and match.
You can have a small.
Alright.
Yeah, just hold it like that.
Yeah, thank you.
Thank you.
That's two pound, thank you.
- Thank you very much. - Enjoy.
- Bye. - Bye-bye.
What do you think?
I've never seen anything like this.
' Cause you've been standing there a long time.
Mm.
I can't explain in English,
and not even Japanese maybe.
I thought you were from Japan.
But your English is quite good.
You've been here a long time?
No.
Well, a few weeks.
But you must have studied before?
We always had a kind of home-stay student, yeah,
at our house,
so I learned from them.
I went to Japan when I was young.
I always meant to go back, but never did.
Where did you go?
Um, usual places.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima.
Oh, and I spent a few weeks in Kanazawa.
Oh, that's where I'm from.
Okay.
It's a beautiful city.
Yeah.
I like the old town, the temples
and traditional art.
And the geisha?
No, I was too young.
So, why are you here?
I saw you taking notes.
Are you a journalist?
Ah, no, I'm just studying painting.
Do you know Goldsmith's College?
Oh, sure.
Yeah.
Do you like it?
I just started, so, yeah.
I've met some nice friend.
Oh, I hope you don't mind,
while you were looking at the artwork,
I sketched you from over there.
Okay.
I don't mind.
Oh, can I see it?
Yeah, yeah.
Are you an artist?
Yeah, this is mine.
Oliver Bland?
Branse.
- Branse. - Mm hmm.
- It's yours? - Mm hmm.
I'm Aiko.
Oh, Aiko.
- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
But it's so simple and...
Elegant?
Yeah, elegant, yeah.
Something about the hair and your posture.
Beautiful lines.
But it's quite different from this painting.
Mm.
Will you make a painting from this?
I don't know.
Do you think I should?
Like that?
Maybe.
If you do, I'd like to see it.
Well, if you like,
why don't you write your number on, on this card?
Okay.
And if I make a painting from the sketch,
then I'll call you.
And if you want to, you can come and see it.
Okay.
Thank you.
Well, I need to go.
Sure.
So, enjoy the rest of the gallery.
Yeah, thank you.
Okay.
I wondered, would you like to see my studio?
It's not far.
Sorry, I'm going to have a dinner
with my friend tonight, so.
- Okay. - Sorry.
Okay.
Maybe another time?
Yeah, sure.
This way, you can finish your painting.
Yeah, okay.
Okay.
See you. - Bye-bye.
Nate, I met this girl.
She is, she's a woman,
Japanese.
I know, but she's incredible.
She's beautiful, but she's 24.
She's such a lovely person. - Really?
Yeah, really.
But the thing is, I've tried calling her
like three or four times.
What do you expect?
She's half your age.
I'm surprised she even gave you her number.
What would a young girl went with an old man anyway?
Er, money.
As if you have any, because you're an artist.
Can we just like, not go there for once?
Alright, just saying.
You know, you're welcome at the agency.
You wouldn't have to wear a suit.
Just a bit of graphic design.
Thanks.
You know, photos, leaflets, that sort of thing.
No, thanks.
You're such a smug fucker sometimes, Oli,
even when you're starving,
I'm a painter, I'm not a designer.
One pays the rent, one doesn't.
Now who's the smug fucker?
You know, you're not looking so good.
All those paint fumes.
You need to get out of that studio,
get yourself some sun.
Right, hang with you and your golf buddies?
Is there anything about my lifestyle
that doesn't disgust you?
You think I'm some right capitalist pig, don't you?
We're just different, Nate.
Oh, that's for fucking sure.
I sometimes wonder if we even share the same mother.
You need any cash?
Do you need any cash?
I'm okay.
Well, that's not what Mum says.
Here, take some of this.
Go on, take it.
It's all I could get from the cash point.
You sure?
Go on.
I'll pay you back as soon as I sell a few pieces.
Don't worry about it.
No, I mean it.
My new work's starting to get some attention.
That's great, Oli.
I'll pay you back.
Take your time.
I'm sure it'll all work out.
I gotta get back to the missus.
And for fuck's sake, forget about young Japanese girls.
Nothing good will come of it.
But it's just, it feels so intimate.
Oli, at our age, a bump in a queue feels intimate.
Forget about it.
You're right, as usual.
It's done.
Hello?
Hi.
Aiko, it's Oliver, Oliver Branse?
We met at the gallery the other day?
Hello?
That's so weird.
I just started looking at my notes about your painting.
That's a coincidence.
How's your, how's your work going?
Not so great.
I need to find my inspiration.
Oh, well maybe I can help you.
You remember you told me to call you
when I'd painted from that sketch I made?
Well, it's finished,
and if you like, you could come and see it.
And there's a lot of other work too.
You know, you might like it.
I'd like to, but I should sketch.
Well, you don't sound like you're in the right mood.
And you said yourself, you need to find some inspiration.
So, come on.
It wouldn't take long.
It used to be a factory.
Used to make the propellers for the big ships, you know?
It's quite old actually, but yeah, suits my needs.
So, there's, there's lots of other artists here as well,
so you can meet them if you want to.
Mind yourself.
Is it okay?
Yeah, it's fine.
It's a little old, but it's fine.
It still works.
Don't worry.
It feels like an old noa movie.
Noir, you mean?
- Noir, noir. - Noir, yeah.
You like old movies?
Yeah, especially noa, noir film.
Me too.
Older the better.
Do you have a favorite?
Do you know "Bound."
Wachowskis brothers' first film?
- Yeah. - Well, that's not so old.
Sure it is.
It's mid '90s.
Okay, mind out the way.
Okay.
Stand here.
Sorry, it's a bit of a maze.
So nice.
There's such a great light.
Yeah, that's the main reason I took this place.
Can you sell all of them?
Well, I'd like to but it's a tough market.
You don't wanna undervalue your work,
but sometimes you just have to sell it
for less than you think it's worth just to pay the bills.
What kind of work is popular now?
You shouldn't think in terms of popular.
By the time you figured out popular,
it's not popular anymore.
When you paint,
you have to paint what you really feel
from your heart, your soul.
Listen only to yourself.
Is that it?
Yeah.
So, did you paint from the sketch?
Yeah.
The sketch takes me back to the moment.
You painted wet on wet?
Wet on wet, yes.
You're not a complete beginner.
How could you imagine all of that
from the once simple sketch?
Well, that's the mysterious bit.
It all just kind of comes from within.
Are you painting anything else?
To be honest, I, I hadn't painted anything for weeks,
and then it just kind of poured out.
Because of me?
Yeah.
Strange, isn't it?
I could model for you.
Oh, really?
Have you ever modeled before?
Yeah, a friend, some others.
I couldn't pay you much.
It's alright.
If you sell it, and you can pay for me,
but if not, I worked with great painter.
I'm not sure about that.
When you want to start?
How about this weekend?
Sounds good.
Cup of tea?
Yes please, sure.
Okay, so if you get up on this plinth.
Now?
Okay, so if you bring your,
bring your legs up higher,
and your feet up, that's it.
Put your arms around your legs.
Like this?
Both arms.
That's it.
Do you ever know how it will end up?
No.
If it's going well, I lose myself.
What do you mean?
Well, it feels like something
or someone else is drawing,
and I just forget about my technique.
And I lose myself and I just draw.
What's wrong?
Are you alright?
Can I see it?
No, you can't.
It's not working.
What's wrong?
You didn't lose yourself, did you?
No, no, I didn't.
You're perceptive.
Okay, let's make another one.
Next time, you will focus more.
Okay?
Yeah, I just didn't expect you to...
Don't worry.
I do a live model in Japan.
How do you want me?
Okay, So if you climb back up.
Well, I've always loved the line of your hair and your neck,
but I can now see the power of your back and your hips.
So, what I wanna see is a turn.
If you could turn your head away.
Yeah.
To the left.
That's it.
And look at this arm here.
Mm hmm.
Okay, there.
Like this?
That's beautiful.
And now here.
This one.
Not so far. - Yeah.
Only on the leg.
Yeah.
Perfect, that's it.
You look so happy.
I am, I'm glad you're here.
Me too.
Now, if you turn away to your left, your head, your head.
That's it.
Oh my God.
That's perfect.
It's perfect.
Don't move.
You know, this is gonna sound strange,
but it's not so much that I lost myself,
more that I found myself inside you.
I feel it too.
Aiko, it's a beautiful name.
What does it mean?
Child of love.
It's perfect.
I am starving.
That was a marathon session.
You not eating, Aiko?
I'm meeting with someone later.
The painter?
Yes.
Mm, someone's found romance.
Go on, tell us everything,
and don't skip the naughty bits.
There's not much to tell.
There's always something to tell.
Where did you meet him?
In gallery.
His work is amazing.
What's his name?
Is he famous?
Oliver, Oliver Branse.
He's not famous yet.
Does he sell?
Sure, sometimes.
Oliver Branse?
I think I went to his open studio last year.
Is he in Greenwich?
Yes.
Maybe I'm thinking of someone else.
The guy I met was at least 50.
Could be.
50?
Aiko, you're dating someone twice your age?
Yes, so?
So he's old!
That's like my Dad's age.
Yeah, it's not really any of our business, Aiko,
but you're a pretty girl.
You could meet any younger guy or girl.
Why?
He's teaching to me a lot.
At least tell me he's rich,
like a rich family or something?
I don't think so.
But he's full of passion.
Yes, darling, so am I,
but I don't get around preying on younger boys.
You are right, it's not your business.
Thank you for preparing lovely lunch.
You're welcome.
Was yummy.
- Why are you laughing? - Yummy.
Yummy.
I think you're yummy.
The yummiest?
Absolutely.
Have you ever had sex with Japanese girl before?
Why'd you ask?
It's important?
No, just curious,
'cause you are the first foreign guy for me.
I've just wondered.
Well, wonder no more,
because you without doubt
the sexiest, yummiest woman I ever met in my life.
- Stop. - No.
Mm mm.
- Stop. - No.
I hold the red wine.
I don't care.
Stop, no.
- I don't care. - I don't want.
Stop.
I'm going.
No, you're not.
I don't get it.
Why can't I get that same effect?
Don't worry, you're already better than I was at 24.
What?
Really?
You're not just saying so I will have sex with you?
No.
No, I mean it.
You're, you're, you're gonna be really good.
Sure?
Mm hmm.
My brother and I are going to my mum's in Sussex
for the weekend.
So, why don't you take these,
and you can come in.
You can work on it.
No distractions.
Are you sure?
I mean, I'll be careful and everything, but it's your space.
It's fine.
I like the idea of you being here.
Thank you.
You're looking rather beatific.
A ha ha, you've met someone, you little fucker.
She finally answered my call.
The young Japanese girl?
Oh Jesus, Oli.
I know what you're thinking, but it's not like that.
She is amazing.
Didn't you say that about, what's her name,
the Polish one?
No, there's no comparison.
I've never felt like this before.
Look, Oli, I get it.
Middle age sets in, young fit girl comes along,
you'd be crazy not to.
But don't read too much into it.
She'll move on when the curiosity fades.
You're wrong.
No.
You know how I ramble on about losing myself
when I paint?
Yeah, yeah.
I think mum dropped you on your head when you were a kid.
Well, that's why I've got so much heightened creativity.
Right, isn't it, Mum?
You got any biscuits?
No.
You don't need any biscuits.
Thanks, Mum.
There.
Milk, sugar, help yourselves.
I can never remember Thanks a lot.
How you do it.
Thanks.
It's bliss.
Complete unmitigated rapture.
And we both feel it together.
It's like we share something primal.
Fucking artists.
I've never felt like this before.
Get a grip, Oli.
And for fuck's sake, be careful and wear a rubber.
You can't afford any half-and-halfs running around,
and neither can I. - That is out of order.
Whatever.
Why did you bring me here?
Well, I like to imagine the lives of all these people.
I mean, look at this.
That's 200 years ago.
I mean, this guy might've known William Blake.
Actually, it gives me ideas for my pictures.
I want to go now.
- Woo, the dead are rising! - Stop it.
What?
I want to get out of here.
Hey, come on, I was only joking.
It's not funny.
I imagine the bones down there.
Real people without their flesh, without their skin.
Yeah, well, you know, that's what graves are all about.
I must get out of here.
I think of my mother,
how she looked when she was dying.
Oh, Jesus, Aiko.
I'm so sorry.
I had no idea.
That's why Japanese burn the dead.
Come on, let's get out of here.
Is this your family?
Yeah, it's me, my brother Nathan, my mum.
Dad died almost 10 years ago.
So, it's just been the three of us since then.
My mother died six months ago.
Bone cancer.
I'm so sorry about earlier.
I had no idea.
Come here.
I would never have taken you there if I'd known.
If I do stuff like that, if I, you just tell me, right?
You know?
Thunder.
I'm scared.
It's okay.
- Do you like wasabi? - Mm hmm.
- Yes? - You just put it straight on?
Yeah, like this.
It's quite a lot.
I know.
It's not too much?
Like this?
Yeah.
Is it nice?
It's amazing.
Okay.
Can you try that one?
Hmm, me?
Mm.
How is it?
It's very good.
Why do people care about others so much?
Because people live in their own little worlds,
and when they think their idea of normal is threatened,
they feel the need to judge,
'cause it makes them feel superior or something.
Although, there's still sexism, racism, biases,
it's getting better.
But still care about age gap?
Yeah.
Even my brother thinks I'm a dirty old man.
So, you can be my dirty old man.
Mm hmm.
And I'll be your hot little slut.
Should we just go back to my flat?
I have a sudden desire for dessert.
Oh, I can't.
Why not?
It's the midterms coming up, so I need to study.
Or shall we come to my place?
Come on, you've never seen my room.
It's a student accommodation and I kind of feel weird.
Like dirty old man?
Like dirty old man.
Okay, just this once.
We've got to get up early,
if we want to have a morning fuck.
That guy.
I cannot believe you did that.
I thought that guy was going to shoot himself.
Did you see his wife?
I can't...
She will never eat sushi again.
Okay, go on. - Come on.
So, okay, it's not much.
Well-
It's the bed, it's so small.
Come here.
It's fine.
So, I'm taking a quick shower.
Okay.
So, do wanna have some tea?
No, I'm good.
Okay.
Good.
Who's this in the photograph?
That's me, like when I was like four or five years old.
Was I cute?
And the woman?
My mother.
Who took the picture?
I don't remember, hmm.
Your father?
No, he died just before I was born.
What's wrong?
This photo makes you sad?
I had a very happy childhood.
My mother and I were so close.
I need to take a shower.
I know.
I've left a towel for you.
Okay.
Is my bed too small?
No, it's okay.
What's wrong?
You tired?
Yeah, yeah I am.
Is that okay?
No problem, let's sleep.
Yeah.
Hello, hi.
Hello, yeah, I was just looking at your website,
and it says I need to send in some mouth swabs?
Yeah, is there anything else I can use?
Yeah, I know you send a pack, I read that.
It's just, I, I don't think I can do a mouth swab.
It's complicated.
What do you mean, rules?
What kind of proof?
Well, what if they don't agree?
No, I don't have a fucking court order.
Hello?
Hello, are you there?
Sorry!
I'm late.
Oh, I missed a train,
and I took the bus, but it was wrong.
I never figure out this city.
Are you alright?
Erm, I'm not sleeping so much.
Maybe you should see a doctor.
No, I'm okay.
You want something?
Can I have a white, a glass of white wine please.
Another beer.
Are you sure you should be drinking?
Or you've got a fever?
No, I'm fine.
Sorry.
Aiko, Aiko, did your mum ever talk to you
about your father?
Not much.
I asked her once,
but it seemed too painful for her.
But I still wonder sometimes.
What's with you, today?
Last week, when I was in your room, I saw a photographs.
Do you remember?
Yeah.
Me and my mom.
Do you remember I told you that I, I visited Kanazawa
when I was in Japan?
Yeah.
The first time we met.
Aiko, I knew your mother.
What are you trying to say?
Your mum and I had a, we had a short relationship.
You had sex with my mother?
And you think I might be...
Yeah.
Impossible.
You made a mistake.
You're 24.
I was there exactly 25 years ago.
And it was her.
She had other lovers.
She was very beautiful.
Yeah, like you.
And I wondered the same thing and I had to know.
I got this.
What's this?
It's a DNA test.
DNA?
How?
I gave you a new toothbrush, remember?
And I had it tested.
And I didn't wanna be right,
but it's 99% sure.
We share the same DNA.
Aiko, you're my daughter.
Aiko!
Stop!
The beach.
It's a lot of bones.
Bones.
Bones everywhere.
Come on, you, you're gonna cut your knees.
Leave me alone.
There's people watching.
Don't touch me!
Leave me alone!