It's all kitsch -- from funky '50s poodle drinking glasses to a modern giggling Mona Lisa pillow -- on display now at the UC Davis Design Gallery.
Kitsch, from the German word meaning trash or cheap finery, has come into its own and may even become the most pervasive "style" of our day and age, whether it's in politics or the entertainment industry, says Robert Frye, assistant gallery director. The exhibition covers all aspects of popular culture, including functional objects for the home, fake "re-creations" of genuine artistic achievements and sexually oriented material, he says.
Viewers may see the objects as "vulgar, sentimental, unintentionally hilarious, hideous, tasteless and at times offensive," according to Frye.
The exhibit will be open noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 2-5 p.m. Sundays, February 24 through March 11, in Walker Hall on campus.
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Susanne Rockwell, Web and new media editor, (530) 752-2542, sgrockwell@ucdavis.edu