Berlin Kiss

1996, Printed Later
Infused dyes sublimated on aluminum
48
x
60
in

Signed, titled, dated and numbered from edition of 25 in ink on verso.

Frame: 49 1/4 x 61 1/2 inches


In Harry Benson’s “Berlin Kiss,” a couple’s passionate embrace becomes a symbol of unity and celebration on the anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall. Taken in the early hours of the morning in a bar, the image exudes intimacy and spontaneity, with the couple’s entwined arms conveying a sense of deep connection and affection.

Despite the anonymity of the couple’s faces, Benson’s composition captures the raw emotion and intensity of the moment. The anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall serves as a backdrop for their embrace, imbuing the image with layers of historical significance and cultural resonance.

As Benson’s lens documents this fleeting moment of love and solidarity, it also reflects on the larger themes of freedom, unity, and the enduring human desire for connection. “Berlin Kiss” encapsulates the spirit of hope and renewal that characterized the aftermath of the wall’s collapse, reminding us of the transformative power of love in overcoming barriers—both physical and metaphorical.