en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsch

Kitsch (English pronunciation: /ˈkɪtʃ/, as in German) is a German word denoting art that is considered an inferior, tasteless copy of an extant style of art or a worthless imitation of art of recognized value. The concept is associated with the deliberate use of elements that may be thought of as cultural icons [1] while making cheap mass-produced objects that are unoriginal. Kitsch also refers to the types of art that like-wise, are aesthetically deficient (whether or not being sentimental, glamorous, theatrical, or creative), and making creative gestures that merely imitate the superficial appearances of art through repeated conventions and formulae. Excessive sentimentality often is associated with the term.

The term is considered derogatory, denoting works executed to pander to popular demand alone and purely for commercial purposes rather than works created as self-expression by an artist.[2] The term generally, is reserved for unsubstantial and gaudy works that are calculated to have popular appeal and are considered pretentious and shallow rather than genuine artistic efforts. [3]

Kitsch was applied to artwork that was a response to the nineteenth century art, whose aesthetics convey exaggerated sentimentality and melodrama, hence, kitsch art is closely associated with sentimental art.

Contemporaneously, kitsch also (loosely) denotes art that is aesthetically pretentious to the degree of being in poor taste, as well as, applying to industrially-produced art-items that are considered trite and crass.


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I challenge all in this tribe to find the absolute kitschy-est thing they can on the internet and link it here to this thread. Post-haste. In celebration of Halloween, and the rest of the crop of USA kitsch holidays we are about to endure.

Jason, your apopleptic commentary on each site is welcomed, but beware it will be critiqued. Criteria will be for innovate retort to each site, upgraded for nuanced phrasiology, and marked down for repetitious drivel. You will not be oppressed on *this* thread.

All are welcome to vote on the best site or item located. Winner gets a mail-order meat loaf slicer or saucy garden gnome. Your choice.