In 1969, Roger Sichel took his camera and his artistic vision to the legendary Woodstock concert. Sichel intended to capture images of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. In one image at the concert, he caught all three.
Smokin’ Hot Kiss, Sichel’s iconic photo, is on display at One Art Space from September 25th through October 8th. In the way the famous photo of the sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square after World War 2, the Kiss shows a different cultural shift in history. There’s rebellion and acceptance within the embrace.
When viewing the photo, stop and take it all in. Your eyes go immediately to the embrace, the passionate kiss, and the hand grasping a thigh with youthful lust on full display. Then, look at the lit cigarette with smoke gently drifting away. After I took all that in, I asked myself, “Whose jacket or shirt is she holding?” She’s already wearing a jacket and shirt. Is it his? Someone else’s?
When viewing art, nothing is taken at face value. There’s always more to take in. Ask questions. Look for the smallest of details.
Throughout One Art Space, Sichel’s work is scattered around. Towards the back of the gallery is a large painting of Prince Mario-Max zu Schaumburg-Lippe. The walls that line the gallery hold Sichel’s photos and paintings. It is easy to get lost in his details.
The photos in this post are from the opening of the exhibition.
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