The Kiss 1898

Edvard Munch created this woodcut, titled "The Kiss," during a period when societal norms were being questioned and artists were exploring the complexities of human emotion. Munch, living in a time of significant social change, captured a sense of intimacy and existential questioning, reflecting the shifting dynamics of relationships and individual identity. This artwork deviates from traditional portrayals of romance; there is an emotional intensity and vulnerability as the two figures meld into a single form. The faces of the embracing figures merge, symbolizing the deep connection and loss of self that can occur in intimate relationships. This merging reflects how personal identity is shaped by our relationships and the emotional entanglements that come with them. "The Kiss" invites us to consider how love and intimacy challenge and redefine personal boundaries.