The Kiss
Gustav Klimt, 1907-1908
Oil and gold leaf on canvas
180 × 180 cm
Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna, Austria

The original painting is in the public domain, and according to dA's art theft policy its use in this context is allowed.

From "Art Can Has Cheezburger?"

This is part of a series of images which juxtapose recognizable images of "high" culture (famous canonized artworks) and "low" culture (a dopey gray cat who 'can has cheezburger?' )

I ask the viewer to question canonized ideals of art. I ask, "what determines that certain images be held in high esteem while others are viewed as utter junk?" I leave it up to the viewer to make their own distinctions. While the images are intended to be highly amusing and fun, I emphasize that the series is not meaningless or without purpose.

Each person reads the series differently, and I am very curious to hear everyone's honest reaction. Did it make you laugh? Did it make you roll your eyes? Did it piss you off? Do you think this is junk? Do think it is still art or not?

All of these reactions are crucial to this work and the meaning of this series, so please share your opinions.