To be precise this is the installation "Second Movement (2016)" by Iceland artist Ragnar Kjartansson, part of an exhibition of his work at the Barbican.
It involves "two women in quintessential Edwardian costume rowing a boat and embracing in a never-ending kiss". This performance "will take place on the Barbican Lakeside every Saturday and Sunday, between 1–4pm, weather permitting".
The title relates to the second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto no 21, and is said to represent a gentleness to contrast against the harsh bare concrete of the Barbican. Though another reviewer saw connections with Monet and waterlilies or even Courbet.
However, it made me think about The Wind in the Willows.
From what I gather it is the most understandable and accessible part of the exhibition so I decided that was enough art for one afternoon and headed home.
3 comments:
Makes me feel a little sad that I am a single-handed sailor.
We need more kissing in boats.
The thing about art is it brings multiple interpretations and responses. For me, there was a feeling I should do more rowing, but as you say, preferably not solo
Clearly I'm not a romantic - my first thought was "3 hours? I hope they have good lip balm", and the second thought was "I do hope neither one of them has had garlic bread the night before".....
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