Kitsch art is one of the most divisive formats in the art world — and one of the most misunderstood. The word comes from the German, roughly translating as "trash" or "to smear," and it's been used as an insult by critics for decades. But is kitsch really just bad taste? Or is it doing something more interesting than the art establishment wants to admit?
Blue Cosmic Moggy Painting by Barrie J Davies
What does kitsch actually mean?
Critic Clement Greenberg was not a fan. Writing in the 1930s, he described kitsch as mechanical, formulaic, and "the epitome of all that is spurious in the life of our times." Strong words. But not everyone agreed. Classical figurative painter Odd Nerdrum took a very different view, calling kitsch "the expression of passion at all levels" — something that connects to human feeling rather than art world truth.
So which is it? Probably both, depending on who made it and why. Kitsch is an aesthetic category that thrives on excess, sentimentality, and imagery borrowed from everyday life. It's been used as a slur and reclaimed as a badge of honour — sometimes by the same artist.
Why critics hated it — and why they missed the point
Kitsch is the antihero of art. It deliberately sidesteps the pretension of traditional fine art and makes itself available to a much wider audience. There are no strict rules about what qualifies — but common ground tends to involve imagery pulled from popular culture: everyday objects, celebrities, bold colour, and a refusal to take itself too seriously.
From a beer bottle to Marilyn Monroe, kitsch borrows freely and unapologetically. That's exactly what offended the purists — and exactly what makes it interesting. Breaking rules is still engaging with them.
From Warhol to street pop: kitsch goes global
Andy Warhol's Marilyns are probably the most famous example of kitsch elevated to high art — or high art that deliberately flirted with kitsch, depending on your view. More recently, artists like Yeo Kaa have taken it further, staging performances that deliberately push against the idea of what serious art should look like. Kitsch has gone global and it isn't going anywhere.
Kitschy Cat Print by Barrie J Davies
Is kitsch the new fine art?
That's for you to decide. But take a look at my Kitschy Cat limited edition prints and see what you think.
To find out about my new artwork please join my cool mailing list.