Gillo vs Pop Tart in Battle of the Kitsch, Part 3

Are you ready for more Gillo bashing?

As I continue to read & report on his book, Kitsch the World of Bad Taste, I hit some bits of proof (as I see it) that continue to prove Gillo's snobbery.

For example, take his hard-line approach to art:

"I have dealt in the past with the problems of falsification of the image produced by modern means of reproduction, and I feel that this problem is not only closely connected with the problem of taste and bad taste but it is also under-estimated by both the public and the critics. There is no doubt that the large-scale reproduction of works of art - both visual and musical, ancient and modern - by means of the new technological methods represents one of the most surprising and noticable charateristics of the recent cultural evolution.

He continues, to say (in effect) that since 'art' was not originally intended to be 'repeatable' they are in effect, 'real forgeries.'

He also continues to say that this contirbutes to the kitsch factor of what would be otherwise considered 'classic art.' He uses examples of the numerous reproductions, however 'faithful,' of the Parthenons, the Sistine Madonna, & others to illustrate his point.

Basically, the originals are 'art' the reproductions are kitsch, simply because the intent of the artist was not to have them reproduced. And, since 'we' kitsch-folk have no 'taste' we must be using/displaying them 'wrong' as we display them in our homes.

Gillo says our use or idolize these works, at affordable prices & convenient sizes, is a lack of respect for the integrity of the works.

Does this mean that those who have framed posters of Van Gogh works are kitsch lovers too?

According to Gillo, it may not be 'certain' but it sure is debatable. And you'd better be educated not only in art but in language & likely Robert's Rules of Order as well to have a chance to make your points!

Yes, and those of you with any religious classics in your dinning room better beware too. Seems anything but the original masterpiece is suspect...

Article by Pop_Tart


 Subscribe!
Email address: 


Unsubscribe from the newsletter