Kitsch ?!

What is kitsch? Well....according to oxford dictionary, kitsch is defined as a form of art or design exist to be in poor taste because of its excessive garishness but was appreciated in an ironic or knowing way. The concept is associated with the deliberate use of elements that may be thought of as cultural icons while making cheap mass-produced objects that are unoriginal (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 2011). In my personal opinion, Kitsch is a form of art where it used the common cultural icons from an original artwork or sculpture or an existed design and modify it with additional features or elements to make it more attractive and gorgeous in appearance, that's how kitsch works. It is also used to describe art featuring cultural objects that date from 1950-70s or mundane or everyday subjects that are retro in style (about.com by Marion Boddy-Evans). Kitsch could occur in anything that claims to have an aesthetic purpose but is tawdry and tasteless.It is usually applied to cheap sentimental artworks produced for the mass market, such as those souvenir which can be found in most souvenir shop, but it is also used for any art that considered in bad taste.

An example of kitsch, we can see from the painting of Elvis Presley together with Jesus showing two contrasting characters exist together in a painting.

 
Source:rocknycliveandrecorded.com

It is believe that the purpose of this painting is to remember Elvis Presley death on August 16, 1977. It gives an impact to all Elvis's fans that he is always exist in their heart as Jesus do although he is already dead. Umm....It does give me the same feeling as well by looking to this painting. 'Elvis Presley, you are always my idol', shout-out from Elvis's fans.