Tino Sehgal's Nude Kiss Performance Stuns Venice Biennale Crowds
At the AMA Venezia foundation, collector Laurent Asscher is presenting Tino Sehgal's Kiss (Clean Version), a live performance featuring a nude couple reenacting famous kisses from art history. The work debuted during the press preview of the 61st Venice Biennale, drawing 1,600 visitors on Monday. The performance, which runs continuously during opening hours, involves 10 dancers rotating every two hours. Asscher acquired the concept three years ago at a charity auction and worked with Sehgal to adapt it for his foundation. The piece is based on Sehgal's earlier The Kiss, where performers were clothed. No photography is allowed, and the work must remain active as long as the space is open. Asscher described it as a unique living feeling that cannot be replicated by painting or sculpture.
Key facts
- Tino Sehgal's Kiss (Clean Version) features a nude couple reenacting famous art historical kisses.
- The performance is hosted at AMA Venezia, Laurent Asscher's foundation in Venice.
- 1,600 people attended the preview on Monday, eve of the 61st Venice Biennale press preview.
- 10 dancers perform in two-hour shifts from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Asscher acquired the concept three years ago at a charity auction at Opera de Paris.
- The work is based on Sehgal's earlier The Kiss, where performers were clothed.
- No photographs are allowed; the performance must run continuously during open hours.
- Asscher first saw the work on Monday and described it as a unique living feeling.
Entities
Artists
- Tino Sehgal
- Ed Ruscha
- Christopher Wool
- Jenny Saville
- Joseph Yaeger
- Sang Woo Kim
- Charles Ray
Institutions
- AMA Venezia
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Guggenheim Museum
- Opera de Paris
- Artnet News
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Monaco
- Belgium