Sentimental paintings and "kitsch" art have a controversial reputation in the history of art. Generally looked down upon by "serious" collectors, it has been claimed that overly sentimental art may express disingenuous emotions, is self-indulgent, and interferes with rational thought and an understanding of the art world.
Historically, this has been a problem for critics of sentimental art because sentimentality is seen as a distraction and a way for us to shift our attention from the harsh realities of the world to more pleasant, unthreatening subject matter.
Serious art collectors tend to frown upon sentimental art as being art for the oblivious. That said, there are plenty examples where astronomical prices are fetched by well-known kitschy artists such as Jeff Koons with his shiny balloon dog sculptures, and Damien Hirst with his colorful dot paintings. One can almost wonder if serious collectors have suddenly changed their prevailing attitudes.
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