Week 1

Identification

This piece is called "The Kiss" and was created by Peter Behrens in 1898. It is a six-color woodcut.

The Art

This specific image was first published in the "Pan magazine" in Berlin, Germany around the turn of the 20th century. It depicts two lovers locked in a kiss and their hair intertwined is said to represent the connection being experienced between the two lovers.

Audience

Because this piece was contriversal at the time it was first produced, I would have to say a middle-aged audience, however once the 'hippie age' came into motion it was used to promote love and piece by a younger generation.

Intended Audience

I believe that it wasn't necessarily intended for a very young audience at it's time, so maybe ages 18+. I feel he was trying to push the boundaries a little bit so it makes it hard to put your finger on a specific group of people.

Core Message

I believe the core message is that love unites all and that we are to express one's emotions physically to be truely united.

Wanted Outcome

I'm not sure exacty what the original creator of the piece wanted the outcome to be; possibly that we are physically united in love?

The hippie's wanted this image to express love and piece to others and promote happiness.

Design

I feel the artist made his point through this work with the use of the way he was able to connect both the emotions of a kiss and the physical connection as well. The fact that he expressed the physical connection even more with the hair being "one" was very clever and I feel he did an excellent job, whether it was accepted in the 1800's or not. Also, I felt the colors were also appropriate because the earth tones were very relaxing and calming which is how you should be when engaged in a kiss with the one you love.