At first, I didn't dare to share my taste for exhibition, with my friends, strangely ambivalent.  So I walked around, half-naked half-dressed, but in secret. 

Then quickly, this phenomenon spread in the most diverse and varied ways. As part of a wider movement, constantly being updated, it aimed to silence our need for modesty, old-fashioned nowadays. 

The first time was a day like today. I saw the crowd of groupies stretching out in front of the door. 

They were arriving en masse. Some of them had pulled out their phosphorescent hats, and bright colored feathers – some glittering tulle fans here, a few frilly ruffles there – Afghan coats, hippies, radiant, all in silk, next to tight-fitting jackets with velcro tapes – next to them, stretch bubblegum suits, and there, candy-pink puffy dresses, butterfly embroideries – further on, behind a few crystal ball gowns, sparkling masks and modern crowns – then in front, more classic, anorak jeans, and all of them with excessive make-up – on this side, a diamond shirt, and here, a handmade origami tie – and further down, electric blue pumps, gold stiletto heels, white leather cowboy boots, decorated with a rhinestone buckle, antique shoes, renaissance style... 

In short, you were all making abnormal efforts to come here. While I entered the stage, quite coincidentally.
No need to tell anymore exploits, nor to accomplish epic struggles, to stand out. 

I simply stepped forward to the rhythm of your applause. Then the spotlights turned on me for no specific cause. 
So, at first, I wasn't sure what to say ; but your approving gaze eased this stressful phase. You were already literally dazzled by my ornaments being done and undone at an increasingly frenetic pace. 

- Hello, My name is Mathilde :) I am... a professional painter. 

- Bonjour, Je m’appelle Mathilde :) je suis peintre professionnelle. 

Everyone, from sheer astonishment, dropped at the same time, a piece of their outfit: a button, a glove, or a hair clip. 

And there, in front of all of you, in a supreme burst of spontaneity, I began to undress, literally – with no valid reason.
I was wearing nothing but my arty lingerie, such as a pointillist panty on a fishnet stocking. 

This is how we found ourselves together, uncovered, for the first time. Because, let's face it, you would never have come here dressed in such disguises. In fact, you were not wearing any of the clothes described... Even worse, you were completely naked. 

But all of a sudden, you felt embarrassed by the situation and started throwing at me your drinks, your whisky, champagne and Bloody Mary. And a slight twitch of panic was followed by a huge scream from the public. You started banging on the walls, throwing yourselves under your seats, screaming hysterically. 
You were desperately trying to cover yourself with a piece of clothing, your button, your glove, or your hair clip.

My show was going sour. 

So, with my paintbrushes in hand, I took to my heels and rushed out of this land.