Kitsch

Upon Googling kitsch I came across this essay written by Whitney Rugg, a student at the University of Chicago that summed up the idea of kitsch quite nicely. To quote her opening paragraph:

'"If works of art were judged democratically--that is, according to how many people like them--kitsch would easily defeat all its competitors," observed Thomas Kulka. Yet, despite its status as a source of pleasure for a mass audience, kitsch is typically considered a negative product and used as a pejorative statement. It is seen as a type of creation that reaffirms rather than challenges the collective norm, a source of sheer entertainment in opposition to the elevated perception generated by high art.' (excerpt from http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/kitsch.htm)


What I've found in my research is that kitsch is....tacky. Also, the word "kitsch" is said to be a derivative of the German word for "trash." However, there are artists who make their whole career around making these trashy, tacky objects because they evoke such a strong response in people. Jeff Koons is a master of kitsch.

(from www.jeffkoons.com)

An inflatable bunny and an inflatable flower. Kitsch reminds me of things you'd find at the dollar store....or the Salvation Army. Things covered in sequins, or salt and pepper shakers shaped like children, or a plate with a rooster on it....etc....I could go on forever.

What's also interesting about kitsch is the it's-so-ugly-it's-fabulous factor. It has collection value for a lot of people. Personally, I question the taste of those overly into kitsch, but it's definitely a different angle of looking at what makes art and I can respect that.