As artists we are often rather scared to use the colour gold in our works. We are all familiar with the beautiful church icons and the gold plating around the heads of the saints (for example). “Kitsch” as a term emerged somewhere during the 1800’s in the art markets of Munich to refer to commercial art work. Somewhere along the contemporary art history route gold was frowned upon; it was better to delete it from the palette. I became aware of this term during my high school years in the art class. I do not hear this term so often anymore. Perhaps there are other terms which are now more popular for those works which are rather “common” or too “acceptable”.
“Kitsch” is seen as one of the enemies of high art and as creatives we are subconsciously (always) aware of it, I think. However, the colour gold (is obviously not “kitsch” per se) and it is still beautifully golden; it may be just what is needed when we are doing abstract works – especially when we would like to sell them to the public and pocket a few pennies. (I am being a little naughty here, please forgive me.) I included a miniature diptych abstract set in oil colour on board here, which I think may illustrate the tricky use of gold.
This work may be classified as “kitsch”, depending on the viewer’s opinion, but I could not think of another colour that would have had the same effect when I was working on this piece. I do agree, it is very easy to apply too much gold. Gerald M. Loeb said, “The desire for gold is the most universal and deeply rooted commercial instinct of the human race.” Enjoy those golden moments.
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