www.digital-
“A moment on the lips…”
How easy it is to give and how utterly pleasurable it is to receive. The most delicate of touches can indeed be the carrier of the biggest of emotions. What is this exquisite and delightful entity? It is a kiss.
But what is a kiss? The dictionary gives the following meanings v 1.touch with the lips in affection or greeting. 2.join lips with a person in love or desire. n 3.touch with the lips. But for one individual it means more.
In addition to the above, a kiss also means 1.a gentle passing of tender emotion. 2.an intimate and passionate exchange. 3.the seal of love. 4.the acceptance of another. 5.the gateway to the heart.
So, imagine if you might, for just a moment what it would be to resist the giving or receiving of kisses for a whole year, from Christmas and New Year through to Valentines, Easter, Mother’s & Father’s Day, birthday, anniversaries and festivals where it is customary to kiss.
Artist Amanda DeZilva is doing exactly that and in doing so has created the conceptual artwork www.digital-
When asked what prompted her to embark upon such an unusual piece of work she made reference to a story included on the website. “I had shared emails, texts and phone calls with a charismatic and successful gent in the city, but had never divulged my name to him. Upon meeting, he said not a single word to me, but just kissed me. A beautiful, meaningful, intimate kiss. It was only after this kiss that I told him my name. It struck me in that moment how easily such an intense emotion was given without knowing exactly to whom it was being given.”
That sounds like part of a story. “It is non-fiction but has a fairytale-like quality about it similar to the presence of kisses in tales that are fed into the lives of children when they are but infants. Sleeping Beauty and Snow White were both awoken with a kiss and the Princess who kisses the frog to return him to a Prince. I guess I am just exploring my inner-Princess!”
As much as this artwork is about testing the perimeters in which contemporary art practice is viewed, it also touches upon the work of the charity SmileTrain® whose work in developing countries is known throughout the world for restoring children’s smiles through lip and cleft palate surgery.
“I came across SmileTrain® on Twitter a couple of months ago and although my not kissing for a year was through choice it struck me that some of these children might never know what it is to be kissed in their entire lives. I contacted the UK’s headquarters and they were amazed and immediately grabbed by the idea of Digital-Kiss. I have pledged 25% of proceeds from the auction to SmileTrain® and also included a page on the website.”
Where did the name come from? Do some people think it is a virtual kiss? “ Digital is about how this work is realised. Much of what happens in the course of everyone’s daily life is made quicker, sharper and more refined through digitisation. I have utilised the power of online social networks, digital media and the intraweb to create a marketplace in which to sell a very real aspect of myself.”
Ms DeZilva has previously made contemporary performance works for stage, site-specific and even for Tesco. “The Tesco project was the first time a business/art partnership of this type had been realised. Twenty-six dancers with costume enhancements made from carrier bags performed department-specific tableaux in and around the store whilst customers were shopping on a couple of days. It was fun, interesting and well received by Tesco and customers alike.”
Her move into digital lens-based media has afforded Amanda the opportunity to utilise both still and film work. “My practice as a multi-media artist allows me to explore particular aspects and then bring them together as a unified whole. I make costume, become a character and then present in film or stills. My work is innovative and thought-provoking.”
How does Digital-Kiss relate to your practice? “It doesn’t. Digital-Kiss is a stand-alone work. It doesn’t resemble anything I have previously made. Digital-Kiss is not about a character, it’s about me.”
And how have you found the experience? “Much harder than I envisaged…also, much longer than I thought it would be. It’s like being on a diet when all one thinks about is food. I have had the same cravings and persistence of thoughts relating to kisses.”
Who would you like to win the kiss? “I would prefer if it is someone who is single as it’s not my intention to cause any disagreements between couples. I’d really like Banksy to win, of course protecting his anonimity (how funny would that be) or the actor Jason Statham. Having said that, anyone who likes kissing would be a perfect choice.”
And whereabouts will the kiss happen? “I have no idea until the kiss is won. Digital-Kiss is placed intentionally on the internet so it has the ability to go worldwide. SmileTrain® is a global charity. It would be really nice if Digital-Kiss could go around the world to meet it.”
What comes next? “The kiss comes next! This is novel, exciting, charming and extremely nerve-wracking all at the same time. I have all of my attention placed upon Digital-Kiss until it is signed, sealed and delivered.”
