Inspiration Gustav Klimt: Oskar Haag and “The Kiss”
When a painting becomes a song
Gustav Klimt’s painting “The Kiss” is one of those works of art whose influence extends far beyond the museum walls. It has been quoted and reinterpreted countless times and continues to inspire artists across a wide range of disciplines. For singer-songwriter Oskar Haag, Klimt’s most famous work became the starting point for his new song “Der Kuss" (The Kiss). The painting not only finds its way into the lyrics by name: the accompanying music video also returns to the home of the original and was filmed in the grand state rooms of the Belvedere in Vienna.
Lisa Ebner-Kollmann
© Michelle Rassnitzer
Jakob Kubizek und Robert Oberzaucher / Jenseide
Oskar Haag is an Austrian singer-songwriter and actor. Born in Klagenfurt in 2005, he first gained recognition with his single Stargazing. With his debut album Teenage Lullabies (2023), he established himself on Austria’s indie-pop scene. Alongside his music career, he also works as an actor in theatre and film productions.
His new album Lost Cause will be released on September 25, 2026. It features the song Der Kuss, inspired by Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting The Kiss.
![The image depicts a couple embracing. The figures are surrounded by a shiny golden background that is richly adorned. The one figure appears to be wrapped in a magnificent garment decorated with various patterns and floral motifs. Their faces are close together, and their eyes are closed, conveying an intimate and deep connection. The lower part of the image is filled with a lush vegetative depiction. [AI-generated with ChatGPT]](/sites/default/files/styles/stories_teaser/public/2025-08/Gustav%20Klimt_Kuss_Belvedere.jpg.webp?itok=80o-732N)
