The Kiss 1976

Byron H. Bratt Jr.'s print, "The Kiss," renders the quiet intimacy of two mugs, each emblazoned with a heart, sitting side-by-side. I imagine Bratt in his studio, meticulously building up the image through layers of ink, coaxing out the subtle gradations of light and shadow. The texture of the paper becomes almost tactile, the dark and light areas creating depth. The choice of etching here makes it seem like each tiny mark on the paper is a whisper, a secret shared between the artist and the viewer. What might Bratt have been thinking as he created this piece? Maybe of quiet mornings, shared moments, the silent language of love expressed through everyday objects? The spoon resting below seems so delicate. It makes me think of other printmakers such as Vija Celmins, who elevate humble objects through careful mark making. These artists are in conversation, exchanging ideas across time. Like all art, "The Kiss" offers not answers, but a space for reflection.