Kiss Me
“A kiss is pure … pure emotion… pure lust… pure tenderness… pure love… pure fun… pure sex… pure wanting.”
Kiss Me
The familiar kiss comprises of many elements. It possesses and coveys differing emotions with each unique encounter.
Social etiquette prevents us from stopping, looking and contemplating the kiss of another couple. We more often than not avert our gaze if we encounter a kissing couple.
In certain countries the law forbids the act in public.
This body of work grants us opportunity to analyse our cultural understanding behind this seemingly innocuous act and contemplate the reasons for its imbued power.
There is something compelling and voyeuristic about being allowed to witness a kiss at close quarters.
Frozen mid act the Kiss Me images allow us to confront the thing which we often do but are so unaware of what it looks like. Visually it lays bare our pure emotions for both our partners to feel and others to see.
Added to the sexual tension of a kiss, Gaunt explores the taboo surrounding same sex couples kissing and further challenge the viewer to question their learned sociological perceptions in this work.
A kiss is more than the lips.
Concept, Art Direction and Photography - Nic Gaunt
Shoot Production - Bex Gaunt. Assistant - Paul Gerrard. Shot on location in Hong Kong.
With special thanks to Joe Lam organiser of Hong Kong Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.