ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

KISS OFF: Francesco Bonami Curates a Survey of the Kiss in 20th-Century Art

exhibition · 2026-05-05

From February to April 2018, the "KISS OFF" exhibition, curated by Francesco Bonami, is featured at Luxembourg & Dayan in New York City. This event explores the evolving significance of the kiss in art, tracing its transition from 19th-century romanticism and politics to its more avant-garde interpretations seen in the 20th century. The exhibition includes notable works from a variety of artists such as Patty Chang, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Joan Miró, and Andy Warhol. Noteworthy is Vito Acconci's 1971 lithograph series, which utilized lipstick to kiss his body, signifying the kiss's role as a marker of social and political resistance.

Key facts

  • Exhibition titled KISS OFF curated by Francesco Bonami
  • Venue: Luxembourg & Dayan, 64 East 77th Street, New York
  • Dates: February to April 2018
  • Features works by Patty Chang, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Joan Miró, Elizabeth Peyton, Francis Picabia, Sigmar Polke, Andy Warhol
  • Central work: Vito Acconci's 1971 lithograph series KISS OFF
  • Acconci created the series at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
  • The kiss evolved from romantic to political/sexual rebellion in the 20th century
  • The exhibition starts from the late 19th century

Entities

Artists

  • Francesco Bonami
  • Patty Chang
  • Felix Gonzalez-Torres
  • Joan Miró
  • Elizabeth Peyton
  • Francis Picabia
  • Sigmar Polke
  • Andy Warhol
  • Vito Acconci

Institutions

  • Luxembourg & Dayan
  • Nova Scotia College of Art and Design

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources