EPISODE · Jul 19, 2022 · 53 MIN

Kitsch

What do garden gnomes, the #BlackLivesMatter black squares of June 2020 Instagram, and formulaic pop songs all have in common? They’re kitsch. In episode 56 of Overthink, Ellie and David investigate the history of kitsch as an aesthetic category distinct from art. How does the superficiality and mass-reproducibility of kitsch explain its uses as a tool of fascist propaganda? They discuss the American cultural instinct to deploy inspirational quotes in response to national trauma, kitsch as an antidote to working class alienation, the decline of emotionally significant, critical art, and more.Works DiscussedClement Greenberg, “Avant-Garde and Kitsch”Tomáš Kulka, Kitsch and ArtCatherine A. Lugg, KitschZach Brown Band, “Chicken Fried”Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, Dogs Playing PokerSupport the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | [email protected] | Overthink podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 19, 2022

Embed this episode

Attribution link and audio player

Ready to play

Kitsch

0:00 53:21

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

No similar episodes found.

Similar Podcasts

Ditch The Debate Taniel Ditch The Debate is the podcast for women who don't feel like themselves anymore. Each week, transformation coach and clinical hypnotherapist Taniel Strydom explores the patterns that keep us stuck - from people-pleasing and perfectionism to burnout, self-doubt and overthinking. Through honest conversations, practical tools and fresh perspectives, you'll reconnect with yourself, quiet the mental noise and create a life that feels like yours again. Wear Who You Are Natalie Tincher Every person has a style, and every style deserves support. Enter your style strategy cheerleader and founder of BU Style, Natalie Tincher. Since 2010 Natalie has worked with hundreds of personal clients as well as large corporations and a major global news network—and she is here to guide you.Each episode shares real questions, practical insights, and thoughtful conversations about how clothing works in real life . . . not just on social media. You’ll hear from trusted style experts like tailors, designers, and other industry professionals, along with my own perspective from years of working with clients who want their wardrobes to truly support their lives.This podcast isn’t about chasing trends or copying someone else’s style. It’s about giving you the knowledge and perspective to make thoughtful decisions about what you wear. Because when your clothing feels like an extension of you, getting dressed becomes one less thing to overthink—and one more way to show up as yourself. What That Podcast Do What That Podcast Do We’re Dariann and Jason, and this podcast is basically us talking about life, relationships, random things we overthink, and all the stuff people usually don’t say out loud. Some conversations are funny, some get a little deep, and sometimes we probably say way too much. We’ll share stories, debate girl logic versus guy logic, give our honest opinions, and try to help with listener problems. We don’t always agree, but that’s what makes it fun. Here's A Thought Jan M Flynn A blogcast for people who overthink. I'm Jan M. Flynn, a writer who thinks way too much about all kinds of things, so I know what that's like. Sometimes you need a little break from your brain — so here's a chance to get out of your own head for a bit, by getting into mine. Short, weekly episodes give you a glimpse into what's been on my mind: thoughts about life, the universe, and the weird or wonderful things people do. Occasionally I'll share some short fiction or poetry. Think of this as recess for your mind. Join me on my website at www.JanMFlynn.net, where you can leave a comment or suggestion on my blog page, and join my email list and receive a free download of my audio short story, "The Collector". Music courtesy of lesfm at pixabay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Overthink?

This episode is 53 minutes long.

When was this Overthink episode published?

This episode was published on July 19, 2022.

Can I download this Overthink episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.

URL copied to clipboard!