I chose the kitsch as the subject of my thesis, since I have been always interested in this elusive phenomenon. During my early research, I soon came to realize that the authors writing about this topic all have a commonly negative judgment regarding kitsch. The early appearance of the kitsch-like objects in the 19th century come into sight with the separation of the high and the mass culture. In turn, the presence of mass culture follows the history of the kitsch’s judgment.
The individual, who is enjoying the kitsch is mostly concentrated in the definition, kitsch-man. After trying to explore the truth behind the accusation of the kitsch-man concerning taste, behavior and moral, I analyzed the relationship of people to the objects. In this respect, I concluded that the behavior of the kitsch-man does not differ significantly from an ordinary individual’s relationship to objects.
The related literature mentions several times that some types of objects are particularly more likely to become kitsch, than others. The similarities between gifts, decorations, souvenirs, as well as religious objects can be well observed in the people’s emotional relationship to objects. Then, I tried to grasp the typical visual elements, and the substance of the kitsch, which are the tools of kitsch, since I supposed that the aim of a kitsch-like object is to gain as much attention as possible. In order to reach its goal, the object utilize its visual effects and aspects of mood.
Art and taste are essential concepts at the topic, so these are the basis of my analyses in the rest of the chapters. On this path, I arrived to observe the similarities between the kitsch and pop art, more specifically the kitsch-art. Examining the works of Jeff Koons, I tried to ascertain the key to enhance kitsch to high-art: conscious usage and reflection. In this respect, I identified two parts regarding the judgment of the kitsch, from which the second one includes consciousness. I ended my thesis with the critics on the differentiation of the mass culture from the high culture.