But Is It Art ?

Debbi was feeling a bit miffed. She didn't always expect the same level of attention as that lavished on her by Lawrence and Lesley but other associates, like Andrei the Russian and Sunil and Pablo with the calendar shoots, had all been friendly and appreciative. But this guy Z was treating her with utter disdain, refusing to talk to her and only communicating via Vanessa the gallery owner. When Debbi complained to Vanessa, the older woman explained that this was all part of Z's concept about the future dehumanising effect that robotics would have on the human race. All normal social intercourse and relationships would cease. "Whatever" said Debbi. "You can still tell him that he's behaving like a twat !"

Vanessa allowed the hint of a smile to cross her face. "Between you and me, you're not wrong but somehow he has a following" she said, surveying the crowd who were gradually filling the gallery. Debbi spotted Lesley waving at her and was pleased to see a familiar face. "So, does he have the clothes he wants me to wear ?" Debbi asked. "Yes" answered Vanessa, showing Debbi a plain white blouse and black skirt and a set of M & S underwear. "Oh that's good" said Debbi. "I didn't want them destroying my own knickers !"

"There is one small change of plan" Vanessa announced. "Z could not get the robots to work properly, so two of his assistants are going to dress up as robots and do the clothes cutting shtick." Debbi had to laugh. "So much for robots taking over from humans." It seemed to make a mockery of the entire concept, though secretly she was relieved. She had been a little concerned that the robots might malfunction and do her some injury !

"There is still one robot that's going to lead you" Vanessa said defensively. "Lead me ?" Debbi wondered. "Yes, that's the second part of the performance. It's a dog robot." "Like K9 ?" Debbi queried, remembering old Dr. Who series. "Not unlike" Vanessa admitted. "Z's not big on originality is he ?" Debbi joked. "Ah, but the concept here is that the robot dog is in control of the human. Z will place a collar and leash on you and a paper bag over your head and K9, er, I mean the robot, will lead you around." Vanessa tried her best to justify the idea. "This is after the humanoids have cut off all my clothes ?" "Exactly" Vanessa confirmed.

"Oh well, better go and get ready" Debbi said, regarding the size of her growing audience and heading to a side room Vanessa had shown her earlier !