The word kitsch is German for tasteless, aesthetically deficient and crass. The term originated in the art markets of Munich as a descriptive expression for cheap, popular , sentimental pieces of art, marketed to appeal to undiscriminating taste.
As art became more commercialized, and the culture industry became more manipulated, some feared the popularity of kitsch was a threat to culture. With the emergence of postmodernism in the 80’s where the borders between high art and kitsch became more blurred and a more ironic appreciation of the corny style of kitsch developed, it became more accepted as a valid art form. The demand for the outlandish, tacky and pretentious has not abated and there are still many fervent collectors out there. Kitsch collectibles still turn up at garage sales, church fetes and op shops and are a worthwhile investment if you happen to chance upon one of these desirable, hideous objects of art.
