Kitsch facts for kids

A Friend in Need, a painting from 1903 by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, is a classic example of modern kitsch. It's part of the famous Dogs Playing Poker series.

Puppy by Jeff Koons (2010) is a large sculpture that uses kitsch ideas. It combines fancy looks with a cute style.

Kitsch (pronounced KITCH) is a word that describes art and design. People often use it for things that seem overly fancy, too simple, or not in good taste. It comes from a German word.

In the past, many serious artists didn't like kitsch. They thought it was too dramatic and didn't show deep human feelings. They also felt it focused too much on simple beauty.

However, since the 1950s, with the rise of Pop Art, kitsch has become more popular. Artists sometimes use it on purpose. They might use kitsch in a funny or ironic way. This means they know it's "bad taste" but use it to make a point.

Calling something "kitsch" can still be a criticism. But it's not always negative. Many people enjoy kitsch art in a positive way. For example, the Dogs Playing Poker paintings are often seen as kitsch. Yet, many find them charming or quirky.

Kitsch isn't just for visual art. You can also use the term for music, literature, or other creative works. Kitsch is similar to camp. Both styles often use irony and over-the-top elements.

What Is Kitsch Art?

Kitsch art often tries to make you feel strong emotions. It might use bright colors or very detailed scenes. Sometimes, it copies famous art styles but in a simpler way. Think of souvenirs or decorations that are very sweet or sentimental.

Why Do People Like Kitsch?

Many people enjoy kitsch because it's easy to understand. It doesn't always need a lot of thought to appreciate. It can also bring back happy memories or feelings of comfort. For some, it's a way to enjoy art without feeling like they need to be an expert.

History of Kitsch

This mass-produced teapot and milk jug set looks like an old cottage. It's an example of kitsch in everyday objects.

These buildings show examples of kitsch in architecture. They use many different styles and decorations.

The word kitsch first appeared in the art markets of Munich, Germany. This was in the 1860s and 1870s. It described cheap pictures and sketches that were easy to sell.

A writer named Hans Reimann wrote about kitsch in 1936. He said it was a term that came from artists' studios. For a long time, most studies of kitsch were in German. Walter Benjamin was an important scholar who studied it.

Kitsch is seen as a modern idea. It grew as society changed a lot. Things like the Industrial Revolution and more people living in cities played a role. Mass production and new materials like plastic also helped. The rise of the middle class and public education meant more people could buy art. This led to a lot of art made for popular tastes.

Kitsch in Modern Art

The Kitsch movement is a group of classical painters. It started in 1998 with ideas from Odd Nerdrum. He wrote a book called On Kitsch in 2001. This movement uses techniques from Old Masters. They create art with stories, romanticism, and strong feelings.

See also

In Spanish: Kitsch para niños

• Camp
• Thomas Kinkade - An American painter whose works are often called kitsch.
• Chocolate box art
• Cliché
• Lowbrow (art movement)
• Museum of Bad Art
• Poshlost
• Prolefeed

Notable examples

• Velvet Elvis
• Chinese Girl
• Christmas cards
• His Master's Voice