Exhibition – Osculum. Basium. Suavium.

Krista Vindberga Auzniece’s exhibition offers a view of the meaning of touch, time, and closeness in the context of contemporary art. Creation begins with intention, touch, and movement. Two hands frozen in motion continuously rotate against each other, and their trajectory forms an endless cycle of closeness and distance. The reference to Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam is direct, but here creation is left in the hands of a woman, shifting the interpretation of the act of creation to new dimensions of identity and authorship. In this work, there is no divine hierarchy, but rather the equal presence of two creators.

The work changes from month to month – Osculum, Basium, Suavium – and gradually narrows the distance: from a restrained gesture, through affection, to sensual intensity. Basium refers to a gentle and loving kiss, traditionally associated with expressions of love and intimacy. Osculum is a more neutral form of kiss, often of a social or ritual nature in classical tradition. Suavium refers to a passionate, sensual, and erotically charged kiss.