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  • Changed Acceptance: Kitsch, Tattoos and Norman Rockwell

    Document thumbnail: Changed Acceptance: Kitsch, Tattoos and Norman Rockwell
    Type:
    Document
    Description/Abstract:
    Turning things that were once seen as inappropriate or undesirable to being widely accepted and loved. This can be seen in all aspects of culture, even visual culture and the arts. Two seemingly unrelated practices that have a changed perception are Tattooing and the production of Kitsch. Throughout the last century, views on tattoos have shifted tremendously in all features such as styles, techniques, symbolism, and social acceptance. Tattoo styles have changed drastically since their earliest documentation from tribal styles to commemorative memorials, and being used as a way to permanently decorate the body, in a way jewelry (although similar) cannot. Tattoos were predominately a sacred practice highlighting aspects of a culture, religion, and social class. As tattooing, was adopted by more cultures, people began to adapt the art form to fit their specific interests. In the Western world, specifically America the individuals getting these tattoos were usually seen as lower class, outcasts, and rebels. Kitsch has a long and verifying history that starts in Germany making its way to the United States just under a century ago. In the 85 years since its debut it has been great discussed and interpreted and continuously evolving. It was originally associated with low class works of art that were not thought provoking and tended to be masses produced. The association of the low class with tattoos and kitsch is very similar to how Norman Rockwell’s illustrations were seen in his early years of production. Rockwell was an American illustrator who was known for creating a romanticized depiction of American life through a photorealistic style. The evolution of tattoo acceptance and kitsch reflects a path similar to Norman Rockwell’s art. All turn towards a more positive, socially accepting, and new understanding entirely. The painting “Tattoo Artist” by Norman Rockwell is an uncanny comparison to how himself as an artist and tattoos both being seen as kitsch has changed with the times. The paralleled change in acceptance of tattoos, kitsch and Norman Rockwell all show that nostalgia is a strong factor in deciding what modern culture deems permissible.
    Creator/Author:
    Lutz, Kennedi
    Submitter:
    Kennedi Lutz
    Date Uploaded:
    04/04/2024
    Date Modified:
    04/23/2024
    Date Created:
    2024/04/28
    License:
    Public Domain Mark 1.0