Kitsch is a negative word. Kitsch refers to non-original stuff that has some of the qualities of art. Art in the broadest sense. But kitsch is just appealing junk. The key to an educated person's life is knowing what's kitsch and what's art. While I'm proud that my house is full of original and bold art, I must admit I have kitsch, too - and it is dear to me.
Kitsch /kɪtʃ/ is a term of German or Yiddish origin, says Wikiepdiia, that has been used to categorize art that is considered an inferior, tasteless copy of an existing style. The term is also used more loosely in referring to any art that is pretentious to the point of being in poor taste and also commercially produced items that are considered trite or crass.
Because the word was brought into use as a response to a large amount of art in the 19th century where the aesthetic of art work was associated with a sense of exaggerated sentimentality or melodrama, kitsch is most closely associated with art that is sentimental; however, it can be used to refer to any type of art that is deficient for similar reasons.
Whether it tries to appear sentimental, glamorous, theatrical, or creative, kitsch is said to be a gesture imitative of the superficial appearances of art. It is often said that kitsch relies on merely repeating convention and formula, lacking the sense of creativity and originality displayed in genuine art.
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