The
Renaissance
Society

Wearing the ubiquitous black ski favored by terrorists of every nationality, a man and a woman attempt a lover's embrace. This striking gesture at once recalls Magritte's painting The Lovers (1928) in which a couple passionately kisses despite their heads being completely covered in cloth. Essential Current Affair is a depiction of mutual alienation in times that could likewise be characterized as surreal. Their increasing abandon is in response to a mood made steadily more anxious by the brooding melody of a string quartet. Yet they will not remove their masks. If love cannot conquer all, is it still love?