Victory 2018

Joshua Flint's painting, "Victory," presents us with a contemporary take on an age-old symbol: the kiss. Throughout history, from ancient Roman marriage ceremonies to Klimt’s passionate embrace, the kiss has signified unity, peace, and the sealing of bonds. In "Victory," the kiss seems less a tender moment and more a declaration of triumph, echoing the celebratory kisses seen in war victory photographs. But here, victory feels muted, almost melancholic. Consider how the kiss, as a motif, reappears in art across eras. In some instances, it is a spiritual communion, in others, a carnal expression. Its shifting meaning is a reflection of our own evolving desires and anxieties. The blurred figures and subdued palette evoke a dreamlike quality, hinting at the transient nature of victory itself. It reminds us that every triumph is ephemeral, destined to fade into memory. Is this embrace a genuine connection or a fleeting performance? Perhaps, Flint invites us to question the very nature of the victories we celebrate.