MUNCH

two VErsions of the kiss -Edvard Munch

I discovered this original drawing of The Kiss in a book about Munch. I prefer the rawness of the drawing. The woman is trembling beneath the man, who looks like he’s straining to hold her in the best position. The nudity allows the image to be precise. There is no ambiguity about where the stresses on their bodies are. This goes without saying, but nudity also makes the scene more intimate, and the open window shows their reckless passion.

The painting is arguably sweeter. It’s the kind of thing you could hang in your house and it won’t make grandma angry. These lovers are more than just lovers, they’re soulmates. This is amplified by the more pronounced unity in their faces, which is the main improvement between the two pieces. Ironically the window is closed, despite the two being fully clothed. However, this closed curtain implies their intention to become intimate, and their desire to hide it. This piece is a far more restrained, mature kind of love.

Ultimately, I enjoy the painting less because of the coloring. The whole thing is far too dark to distinguish the two figures from the background. I do understand that the fade into black from left to right is likely to illustrate that they will move into a private act of love, but I think the impact of the image suffers. The drawing conveys rawness and lust, while the painting conveys comfort and deep connection.  They both explore The Kiss, but with two different kinds of passion.

-JAKEY