Kitsch or Cliché?

Kitsch

Photo borrowed from: http://inthemoodfortrend.blogspot.com/2011/05/taste-of-vintage-kitsch.html

kitsch
kiCH/
noun
 
  1. 1.
    art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.
    “the lava lamp is an example of sixties kitsch”
adjective
 
  1. 1.
    considered to be in poor taste but appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.
    “the front room is stuffed with kitsch knickknacks, little glass and gilt ornaments”

The other day the word “Kitsch” came up in a conversation.  The word seems to mean different things to different people, and is misunderstood probably just as much as are the objects the word is used to describe.  The “researcher” inside of me begged for more clarification, and sought to explore the world of Kitsch more deeply. (Cue dramatic Indiana Jones music). 

As I began to look into this unique term, I found that people commonly use this label on everything from Velvet Elvis paintings, to ceramic poodles, vintage Hawaiian decor, and even ornately carved oriental furniture!  Read on… (more…)