Deep Space LIVE: Gustav Klimt – The Kiss

THU 8.10.2020 / 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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Ars Electronica Blog
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(Linz, 5.10.2020) It measures 180 cm x 180 cm, shimmers in magnificent gold and adorns millions of coffee cups, umbrellas, plates, ties and shopping bags: we are talking about Gustav Klimt’s painting “The Kiss”. Thursday evening, October 8, 2020, the most famous work of the Viennese Art Nouveau painter will be examined in detail during Deep Space LIVE. Starting at 19:00, Franz Smola and Florian Waitzbauer from the Belvedere in Vienna will show a gigapixel image of the painting and present details on the 16 x 9 meter projection screen of Deep Space 8K that would remain hidden from the eye in normal viewing. In addition, visitors learn a lot of interesting facts about the art-historical significance of this fascinating painting. As a visit to Deep Space 8K is currently only possible in reduced capacity, please make a reservation at +43.732.7272.0 or center@ars.electronica.art

The kiss: the painting
The picture, painted between 1908 and 1909, shows a tightly entwined couple, wrapped in richly decorated robes, on a lush flower meadow. One reason for the special aura of the painting is the effect of the gold leaf, which Klimt used abundantly in this work. Not only are the lovers’ robes decorated with gold leaf, but the background is interspersed with fine gold, silver and even platinum leaves. At its first presentation in 1908, “The Kiss” was acquired by the Austrian state for the recently founded Modern Gallery, which was then housed in the Lower Belvedere. Since then the painting has been part of the Belvedere’s collection.

Deep Space LIVE
Every Thursday at 7 p.m. (excluding holidays), the Ars Electronica Center invites you to a Deep Space LIVE. High-resolution imagery in 16 by 9 meter format meets expert commentary, entertaining double-conferences or musical improvisation. Whether it’s an art-historical search for clues, a space flight, a voyage of discovery into the nanoworld or a LIVE concert – Deep Space LIVE stands for enlightening entertainment amidst impressive visual worlds. The entrance fee is 3 €.

Photo:
Gustav Klimt – der Kuss / Fotocredit: vog.photo / Printversion

Photo:
Florian Waitzbauer und Gustav Klimts der Kuss / Fotocredit: vog.photo / Printversion

Photo:
Game Changer Suite / Fotocredit: Ars Electronica – Magdalena Sick-Leitner / Printversion