Artist Statement: The two lovers share a kiss behind a black dahlia, which symbolizes betrayal and the withering of their bond. Although this kiss is meant to be mutually loving, they harbor different feelings towards it.

The girl on the left strains the bond between her and her lover. She leads the kiss forcefully, feeding on her partner’s pain like an unknowing parasite. By closing her eyes, she revels in the closeness of her partner’s grasp, but feels nothing of the pain she is causing. She feels good—better, even—as her lover’s unacknowledged pain nourishes her and the dahlia. 

In stark contrast, the girl on the right receives the parasitic kiss with deep inner conflict. Her eyes are opened with horror as tears trickle down, harmful roots of decay spreading from her lover’s touch. Yet, she still remains in her partner’s arms—their love was not always a source of pain for her. She reluctantly sacrifices herself to sustain her lover and the black dahlia.

Edited by Ryan Aleksander Meadows