(Un)Konventional Kitsch!
November 22 - December 31, 2005
Friday, November 9 2005: gallery talk 6pm / reception 7pm
‹ Kristin Grey, Kissing Cocks
Kitsch: a term used to categorize art often considered to be an inferior copy of an existing style, which is often used more loosely to refer to any art that is pretentious, is in ‘bad taste’ or is related to commercially-produced items that are considered either trite or crass. The word came into use following the 19th century, when enormous quantities of sentimental, melodramatic and often dull works were produced around the world, and is a term that can also be applied to artworks imbued with ironic sensibilities and antithetical to “glam” gestures. Critics often comment that kitsch relies on formulaic repetition of tradition and convention, lacking any true sense of creativity or originality displayed by authentic art.
As part of the celebration, Maryland Art Place (MAP) is featuring a lively exhibition including work by Beppi, Irene Clouthier, Mike Geno, Kristin Grey, Rachelle Lowe, Gary S. Medovich, Lee S. Millard, Yunsook Park, Andrew Shoenfeld, Daniel Van Allen and Virginia Warwick, all mid-Atlantic area artists who have either been inspired by; limited to; or resistant of “sensibilities normally related to kitsch.” In addition, MAP is featuring selections from the widely celebrated installation of the recently dismantled Amaranthine Museum, by area artist, Les Harris, whose collection was recently displaced by the development of the Clipper Mill Industrial Park. Each exhibiting artist (while focusing on different topics, subjects, media and concerns) celebrates various aspects of ironic delight, while paying homage to a variety of other artists and artworks, while creating works that simultaneously wield the power to delight, offend and amuse.
