The Kiss (Column) 1935

Brâncuși made this Kiss Column from stone, and there’s no precise date, which somehow adds to its mystery. It is as if the artist is forever engaged in a process of chiseling away at stone to reveal something essential. I’m really drawn to the rough texture, the way each layer seems stacked, almost precariously, on top of the other. It makes me think about the raw physicality of making, the labor and the love mixed together. The top layer has two figures, two faces, embracing: a simplified, almost geometric rendering of a kiss. It’s not overly romantic; it’s more about the solid, grounded feeling of connection. This sculpture reminds me of the work of Medardo Rosso, who was also interested in capturing fleeting moments. Both artists capture moments that are both ephemeral and eternal, suggesting art’s capacity to freeze time. Ultimately, I think this piece embraces the push and pull between abstraction and representation, leaving us space to bring our own experiences to it.