Page 226 of The Examiner

Gela

To: The Danners Gallery

From: Jem Badhuri

Date: 4 September 2024

Subject: New soundscape artist

Dear Barbara,

I visited the Danners Gallery with my father a few months ago and you very kindly showed us round the exhibition. At the time I was studying for an MA in Multimedia Art at Royal Hastings and I’m delighted to say that, after a year of hard work and commitment, I gained a well-deserved Distinction for my work in clay and sound.

While at your gallery I couldn’t help but notice something missing – and that vital element was a soundscape. My Royal Hastings tutor described me as ‘the master of sound’, and I agree. Sound is a vital element of the human sensory experience and I can create an auditory journey to enhance your visitors’ uptake of any exhibition or event. I would like to offer my services as a soundscape artist.

As you will be one of my first-ever clients I am happy to negotiate a ‘mates’ rates’ fee on the basis that your boss’s son, Jonathan, took the same course. I helped him create a project in clay for one of our assignments, so he should give me a good reference. The positive thing about his prison sentence is that at least you know where to find him.

I am happy to visit again and discuss the benefits my services can bring to your business. My dad can drive me to Gloucester at any time. However, due to the fact that I am sight-impaired, I will require some additional assistance to allow me full access to the task, but please rest assured that when I need help, I will ask for it.

Thank you, Barbara. I look forward to hearing from you via the contact details below,

Jem Badhuri, BA, MA

WhatsApp chat between Jem Badhuri and a withheld number, 5 September 2024:

Withheld number

Hello there, young Jem, BA, MA, how are you?

Jem

Gasp! Is this Pat from MMAM?

Withheld number

Are you OK after that crazy night?

Jem

OK? I’m on top of the world! Got my first soundscape commission from a restaurant round the corner. Signed up for an advanced course in sound electronics, tax-deductible. Dad’s looking at quotes to soundproof the loft and he’s coming round to the idea of knocking a doorway through to the second bedroom, so I can have a clay studio too. Oh, and do you remember a lovely waiter called Mikael from the RD8 event? We’re going to Paris for the weekend and he’s teaching me the guitar. Even my dad likes him.

Withheld number

That’s all grand. I’m very glad.

Jem

Don’t the police want to speak to you about what happened?

Withheld number

Maybe one day someone will, but too many want to keep RD8’s secrets for that to be official.

Jem

The real examiner asked to see all my messages, and the police took my phone. It was very exciting! When they told me what was inside that resin block, I finally realised why everyone had screamed. It barely registered at the time, I was so intent on saving the clay sculpture.

Withheld number