Era: 1950+

The recognition of Kitsch as an artistic movement is relatively recent, but its existence as a social phenomenon goes back much longer. Emerging in Germany between the 1860s and 1870s, Kitsch is closely linked to mass consumption. The word Kitsch comes from the German verb "kitschen", which means "to collect trash from the street." » and designates cheap objects, often in bad taste, filled with superfluous details.

Often associated with nostalgic, vulgar or humorous elements, Kitsch aims to provoke immediate and powerful emotional reactions. Kitsch products are often mass-produced everyday consumer products and presented without much refinement, often crudely, decorated with superfluous decorations, we want them to be attractive, showy and simple.

On an artistic and cultural level, Kitsch has long been despised and ignored. However, in the middle of the 20th century, due to the growing popularity of certain products and its integration into popular culture, its merits had to be recognized, in particular its sentimental and playful contribution. Kitsch now occupies a unique place in art, although its characteristics challenge the conventions of traditional art.