The images in this video depict the tawdry sort of 'junque' that some tolerate and others pretend to love but really hate. Just what is "kitsch?" According to the Oxford Dictionary, kitsch is art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way. Knickknacks, figurines, clocks, ornaments, paintings, fashion, furniture, and even some architectural design and interior decor can be "kitschy."
Some people enjoy kitsch and think it's cute. Others consider it tasteless or ugly. This form of art, sometimes described as lowbrow, reached its height of popularity around the mid-20th century. Indeed, much of what you'll see in this video dates back to the era when large tail fins, beehive hairdos, and jello molds were in style.
If you enjoy exploring vintage shops and antique malls, you may spot some of the actual items I photographed for this video. The remarkably hideous "bouquet" at the end of the video was spotted a couple years ago lurking in the corner of a particularly funky antique store in Morris, IL. Ugh. I wouldn't be surprised it it's still there.
The accompanying soundtrack (a 1959 recording) is best described as audio kitsch. If it makes you wince, hey, you know where to find the volume control.