An Experiment in Kitsch

I’ve been experimenting recently with work that involves some elements of fun and the appearance of being painted. The painterly look isn’t a new idea for me – its something I come back to periodically, so I guess it must be a point of stylistic importance for me. So working with a painted look isn’t new. What is a little new here is working with figures of people and of combining black and white with colours. It’s been pointed out to me that this is a little bit kitsch. Hence the name of this posts title. As a built this image I was well aware that there were elements here that were perhaps well trodden by others, however I have a number of pictures planned that combine photographs and other elements. So this is perhaps not an attempt to copy or be commercial but is a step on a creative road to try a few different approaches.

This makes it an experiment, and like all experiments it will have an outcome. Since I have thought about its content the experiment has had some success in making me thing about the process and the tone of what I am creating. Will it be a commercial success? – I have no way of knowing at the moment. The final part of success is being liked. If people like it or get an emotional reaction from it then there will be an element of success.

What matters now is to take what I have learned and apply it to the next piece.