Art lovers take the kiss as they copy Rodin’s statue

Mar 28 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THERE was an orgy of art on display at the Tate last night – as part of a provocative piece of live performance.

The monthly Late at Tate evening used Rodin’s The Kiss, on display in the lobby as part of its main 2008 exhibition, as the basis for its special event.

A total of 10 couples took part in the piece, first posing as gallery goers before beginning seemingly impromptu kissing sessions among the crowds.

There were three performances throughout the evening.

Artist Claire Blundell-Jones had previously appealed for Liverpool lovers to take part, but found them all too shy, as none were forthcoming. Instead, she relied on friends and colleagues from around the country who had been involved in Kissing before to – literally – make an exhibition of themselves.

Visitors were confronted with the kissing couples re-enacting the artwork, in a piece meant to confront the modern attitude to such public displays of affection.

Leeds-based Ms Blundell-Jones said: “At the dress rehearsal the reaction was massive, because I noticed the whole area suddenly went really quiet – people lowered their voices and it became a loaded atmosphere.

“That has happened before, but it was interesting that it happened in the Tate – that people didn’t know how noisy to be.

“People did pick up on the relationship with Rodin’s Kiss – it did make a difference how it was read. I guess in people’s minds they saw it as some kind of modern-day re-enaction.”

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk