The Kiss - Flat Journal

The Kiss is a work that explores the language of intimacy and the tensions between transparency and surveillance in the early 21st century. Kissing is speaking in tongues, while being observed. The Kiss is composed of a kissing code and a film.

The Kiss was exhibited as part of The Tyranny Of Distance, curated by Sébastien Pluot and Maud Jacquin in the context of Art By Translation. The show was simultaneously on view at Tin Flats Los Angeles and at ENSBA-TALM in Angers, France.

A black and white film still of a Caucasian man and woman kissing. The subtitles read “Where was she?” They both have long black hair. He has a short beard, his eyes are closed.

A black and white film still of a Caucasian man and woman kissing. The man has his right hand on her neck. The subtitles read “[???].” They both have long black hair. He is wearing a dark denim jacket.

The silhouette of a man and a woman kissing in a close up in a black and white film image. The subtitles read: “What’s the message?”

A black and white film still of a man and woman looking at each other. The woman is recoiling, scowling at the man, disgusted. She is in her 30s and has long black hair.

A black and white film still of a man and woman kissing. The subtitles read: “What does that mean?” She is wearing a light colored trench coat.

A black and white film still of a man and a woman. She stares at him while grabbing his face in her right hand. They both have long black hair.

Note from the Artist

“The film, when displayed as a single channel installation, plays as an 18 minute loop. It is, however, divided into three parts. The film plays once without subtitles, to encourage a first reading: a“silent film” in which the viewer can attempts to decipher the character’s body language. It then plays a second time with English subtitles and a third time with French subtitles to let the audience in on what information is actually being exchanged between the characters using the Kissing Code. A different narrative should emerge.”

Credits

Performers: Pierre Lanchantin (@pierre.lanchantin), Anna Cifani.

Concept/Directing: Jasmin Blasco.

Writing: Jasmin Blasco, Sierra Feldner-Shaw (@msfeldnershaw).

Camera, Editing, Audio recording and mix: Jeremy Emery (@jeremyjemery).