High above the Capitol Hill light rail station, do you see those two magenta and yellow forms? Those are the two decommissioned United States Navy A-4 Skyhawk fighter jets that form The Kiss sculpture. Artist Mike Ross created Jet Kiss in 2015. It is a symbol of Seattle’s artistic spirit.
Jet Kiss wasn’t always called that. Initially, it was named “Together.” The sculpture is part of Sound Transit’s public art program. Sound Transit allocates one percent of construction costs to art. The budget for The Kiss was $440,000.
In 2007, Sound Transit held a national call for artists. Mike Ross from Brooklyn was chosen unanimously. Sound Transit art director Barbara Luecke sought out Ross after seeing his sculpture “Big Rig Jig”.
Ross presented his initial concept in April 2008. The public had negative reactions. People criticized the use of “instruments of war.” Some criticized Ross for being a non-resident. The 43rd District Democrats called for more culturally sensitive themes and the hiring of local talent. Ross was surprised by the criticism.
A second public open house was held in June. Reactions were more favorable. A revised design was presented in October. The jets were rearranged to “kiss” rather than “dogfight.” Sound Transit approved the piece in August 2009. They granted it a budget of $484,000.
The two fighter jets came from a scrapyard in Arizona. They were sent to Ross’s studio in Oakland, California for disassembly. The military markings are preserved with translucent paint. Both jets span 90 feet.
Ross wanted Jet Kiss to exude organic forms. The magenta and yellow offset Seattle’s overcast skies. The jets reference the city’s aviation history. The bird-like arrangement counters the aggressiveness of jets. It is a nod to the city bird, the Blue Heron.
The sculpture hangs about 50 feet above the platform. Ellen Forney designed one of her murals as a response to Jet Kiss. It is called “Crossed Pinkies.”
Gary Faigin called the piece “ambitious”. He noted obstructed views from the station’s architecture. He complimented the views from the mezzanine and escalators.
Transit workers clean Jet Kiss of dust during overnight shifts. This ensures that this kiss remains vibrant. Jet Kiss is not just a sculpture. It is a statement. It is a conversation starter. It is a symbol of Seattle’s evolving identity.