Thomas Kinkade - king of kitsch

High culture is paranoid about sentiment. But human beings are intensely sentimental.” 

- Thomas Kinkade.

Thomas Kinkade understood that people connect with what is sentimental to them and what brings out a nostalgic feeling. For example, we buy the coffee mug with the Statue of Michelangelo's David on it because we’re reminded of that awe struck moment of gazing on such beauty for the first time. We cherish the Walt Disney figurine of Cinderella which reminds us of our childhood. Similarly, the Thomas Kinkade calendar we buy every year reminds us of family, hope and faith with each month’s peaceful scene. At our core, we are emotional people who want to connect with meaning and sentiment.

Why then is kitsch considered cheap or low in art circles ?

If all we do is dictated by emotions essentially and if emotion is what art brings out , then I guess kitsch has hit the bulls eye!

If works of art were judged democratically--that is, according to how many people like them--kitsch would easily defeat all its competitors." Before the rise of kitsch, the wealthy consumed high art and left the rest of the population without much access or ability to attain art. Kitsch art attempted to close the gap that existed between the wealthy and the middle class- precisely why it was “ hated” by the rich!

There is art for each individual preference. Kitsch art exists not to create an ‘us’ and ‘them’ dynamic, but rather it is inclusive and relatable. Some of the great talents such as Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol were considered kitsch, yet they are two of the most beloved artists of the 20th century. The more art can be accessible and embracing, the more individuals from all walks of life will participate in the conversation on art, meaning, and how it reflects ourselves and our culture.