Kuss 1962-63 1962

Konrad Lueg created "Kuss" between 1962 and 1963, a painting dominated by the powerful symbol of lips. The motif of lips, particularly in an intimate act of kissing, evokes primal emotions and connections. We see this echoed through time, from ancient fertility rites symbolized by mouths touching, to the Renaissance depictions of lovers in frescoes of Pompeii. Consider the recurring motif of the kiss as a symbolic gateway. Whether as a seal of agreement, a sign of devotion, or a moment of intense passion, the kiss, the lips, are portals to emotional and psychological states. The stylized, almost ritualistic depiction here recalls the inherent human desire to connect, a universal longing that permeates our collective consciousness. Thus, this modern kiss by Lueg re-emerges, inviting us to reflect on its enduring power and cyclical re-appearance in the theater of human expression.