For most people, art is a matter of taste. Not so for three men in Art. To these three, a debate about the merits of a piece of modern art becomes a hilarious catastrophe in their fifteen-year friendship.
Serge has recently paid an absurd amount of money for an entirely white painting by the hottest new painter in Paris. He is hoping his investment will catapult him into the highest echelon of art collectors and is excited to display his new acquisition to his two closest friends. Unfortunately, the response is not what he had expected.
As their opposition becomes known, battle lines are drawn, and the three friends square off over the canvas.
Marc, typically cynical and sarcastic, takes a single glance and declares the purchase impulsive, foolish and trend-pandering. Yvan, the eternal peacemaker, thinks the price overly extravagant, but still defers to Serge's right to make the purchase and is glad for his pride in the piece.
What begins as a philosophical exchange about creativity and freedom soon becomes a savage comedy about the sophistication of art and the fragility of friendship. The composition becomes the excuse the three have needed to comically batter relentlessly over the personal failings of each.