Matei Calinescu Quotes

• Kitsch lends itself to a definition in terms of a systematic attempt to fly from daily reality: in time and in space.

  Matei Calinescu

  Reality, Space, Definitions

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• A real Rembrandt hung in a millionaire's home elevator would undoubtedly make for kitsch.

  Matei Calinescu

  Real, Home, Kitsch

  Matei Călinescu (1987). “Five Faces of Modernity: Modernism, Avant-garde, Decadence, Kitsch, Postmodernism”, p.236, Duke University Press

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• While a forgery illegally exploits the elitist taste for rarity, a kitsch object insists on its anti elitist availability. The deceptive character of kitsch does not lie in whatever it may have in common with actual forgery but in its claim to supply its consumers with essentially the same kinds and qualities of beauty as those embodied in unique or rare and inaccessible originals.

  Matei Calinescu

  Lying, Character, Unique

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• Don't we all have an itch for kitsch?

  Matei Calinescu

  Kitsch

  Matei Călinescu (1987). “Five Faces of Modernity: Modernism, Avant-garde, Decadence, Kitsch, Postmodernism”, p.234, Duke University Press

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• Kitsch may be conveniently defined as a specifically aesthetic form of lying.

  Matei Calinescu

  Lying, May, Kitsch

  Matei Călinescu (1987). “Five Faces of Modernity: Modernism, Avant-garde, Decadence, Kitsch, Postmodernism”, p.229, Duke University Press

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