The Kiss 1912

Constantin Brâncuși made "The Kiss" out of stone, and its rough-hewn surface really tells a story of process. You can almost feel his hands chipping away, figuring out the form as he went. The stone has this gorgeous, earthy tone, and the texture is so present. I love the deep vertical line that separates the two figures, and how the arms wrap around to become one unified shape. It's like he's carving away everything that isn't the kiss, and in doing so he emphasizes the importance of a singular loving connection. This piece reminds me a little of some of the early Cubist sculptures, but it also feels deeply personal. Maybe you see similarities to the work of Modigliani. Brâncuși invites us to consider the possibilities of form and to experience art as a dialogue, a conversation that is constantly evolving.