Kiss Now, Lie Later: An In-Depth Look at Farnsworth's Controversial Masterpiece

The Painting

Kiss Now, Lie Later is a painting by American artist Farnsworth that has sparked controversy since its creation. The painting depicts a young couple kissing, with the woman's eyes closed and the man's eyes open. The title of the painting suggests that the woman is kissing the man under false pretenses, and that the man is aware of this.

The painting is oil on canvas and measures 30" x 40". It was created in 1958 and is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Kiss Now, Lie Later by Farnsworth, 1958. Oil on canvas, 30" x 40".

The Controversy

Kiss Now, Lie Later has been the subject of much controversy since its creation. Some critics have accused Farnsworth of misogyny, arguing that the painting depicts women as manipulative and deceitful. Others have defended the painting, arguing that it is a complex and nuanced work of art that explores the complexities of human relationships.

The controversy surrounding Kiss Now, Lie Later has led to the painting being banned from several museums and galleries. In 1969, the painting was removed from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City following protests from feminist groups. The painting was also banned from the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1990.

Farnsworth's Response

Farnsworth has never publicly commented on the controversy surrounding Kiss Now, Lie Later. In a 1969 interview, he said that he was "not interested in explaining the painting" and that he hoped viewers would "interpret it for themselves." He went on to say, "I don't want to tell people what to think. I want them to think for themselves."

The Legacy of Kiss Now, Lie Later

Despite the controversy surrounding it, Kiss Now, Lie Later remains one of Farnsworth's most famous and iconic works. The painting has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, and it has been reproduced on everything from postcards to T-shirts.

Kiss Now, Lie Later is a complex and challenging work of art that has sparked a great deal of debate and discussion. It is a painting that has the power to provoke and inspire, and it continues to be one of the most talked-about works of art in the modern era.

Kiss Now, Lie Later is a painting that has sparked controversy and debate since its creation. Some critics have accused Farnsworth of misogyny, while others have defended the painting as a complex and nuanced work of art. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that Kiss Now, Lie Later is a painting that has had a significant impact on the art world.