The Changing Meaning of Kitsch: From Rejection to Acceptance

This book explores the positive aspects of kitsch and its role in contemporary culture and society, featuring contributions from eleven distinguished authors. It aims to accept and understand why kitsch has become acceptable rather than condemn it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This groundbreaking book heralds a new era in the study of kitsch, a pejorative aesthetic term that gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, today, kitsch is increasingly viewed as a positive and integral aspect of contemporary society. Eleven distinguished scholars from diverse fields, including philosophy, cultural studies, and the arts, come together to explore a wide array of topics related to kitsch. These include discussions on beauty, fashion, kitsch in the context of mourning, bio-art, visual arts, architecture, and political kitsch. Furthermore, the editors offer a concise theoretical introduction to the volume and the subject matter. The purpose of this volume is not to condemn but rather to embrace and understand why kitsch has become acceptable in today's culture and society.

The editors of this groundbreaking book have assembled a diverse group of eleven distinguished scholars from various fields, including philosophy, cultural studies, and the arts. Their collective expertise and insights shed light on the multifaceted nature of kitsch, a term that has historically been associated with negativity and superficiality.

In the opening chapter, the editors provide a theoretical framework for understanding kitsch. They argue that kitsch is not merely a matter of taste or aesthetic preference but rather a complex cultural phenomenon that reflects the values, beliefs, and aspirations of a particular time and place. They explore the historical roots of kitsch, tracing its development from the Baroque era to the present day, and examine how it has been shaped by various social, political, and economic factors.

The subsequent chapters delve into the various manifestations of kitsch. The authors discuss how it is employed in the fields of beauty, fashion, and popular culture, exploring how it shapes our perceptions of beauty, identity, and consumerism. They also examine the role of kitsch in the context of mourning, exploring how it can provide a means of coping with loss and grief.

Kitsch is also explored in relation to bio-art, visual arts, architecture, and political kitsch. The authors discuss how kitsch can be used as a form of commentary on contemporary society, challenging traditional notions of art and aesthetics. They also explore how kitsch can be used to promote social and political change, highlighting the power of art to inspire and mobilize individuals.

Throughout the book, the authors offer critical insights into the cultural significance of kitsch. They argue that kitsch is not simply a matter of aesthetic pleasure but rather a reflection of our complex social and cultural identities. They explore how kitsch can be used to challenge dominant narratives and promote alternative perspectives, highlighting the importance of subversion and creativity in contemporary culture.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book inaugurates a new phase in the study of kitsch. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the cultural significance of kitsch, challenging traditional notions of art and aesthetics. The authors offer critical insights into the various manifestations of kitsch, and their theoretical framework provides a valuable tool for understanding the complex relationship between culture, society, and the individual. This book will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of popular culture, aesthetics, and the role of art in shaping our world.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031166310
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023