The Kiss (2020) depicts life during the 1937 flu epidemic. Currently, society has been effectively shut down. In contrast, in 1937 a range of industries continued to function. This included film production.
However, it was necessary to take hygienic precautions. During rehearsal, actors needed to practice kissing scenes. It could take more than 20 times to get the right shot.
For this reason, actors were required to wear antiseptic masks. Interestingly, doctors advised this would prevent four out of every five flu germs.
The stills were from the rehearsals of the 1937 movie, Mama Steps Out. The actors in the original image are Stanley Morner and Betty Furness. Although they are long forgotten, their image remains relevant during the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Modern Intimacy
In 2013, I did a sketch a day project. This was the first time I drew Antiseptic Kisses (1937). Similarly, this collection inspired my paintings, Lee (2017), Peck (2018) and Helen (2019).
Recently, the face mask has become a symbol of the pandemic. As people socially distance, they are losing intimacy.
I decided to paint The Kiss (2020) to reflect these barriers. In particular, I wanted to depict the power of desire. Initially, I had wanted to use black and white in The Kiss (2020).
However, once I began painting, I decided to use a palette of browns and ochre. I contrasted this with blue grey hues. In order to achieve colour balance, I kept the background neutral. Equally, I needed to achieve the equilibrium between the two figures.
I wanted his masculine dominance and her feminine softness to be harmonious. Moreover, I desired the kiss itself to be passionate. The Kiss (2020) depicts life at a time of great uncertainty. The resulting image shows that the strength of human connection in the face of adversity. It is reminder that life goes on and that in the end, love will prevail.