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Journal Of The Kitsch: A publication that treads the fine line between vulgarity and style

Etienne Azar Philippe is a young Art Director from Paris. He is the creative mind behind Journal Of The Kitsch, a self initiated project that questions aesthetics and taste in general.

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Two magazine covers side by side: Journal Of The Kitsch first issue with abstract imagery on white, and a grey cover discussing Kitsch and questioning beauty and style

It explores the notion that what is marvellous for some might be savagely ugly and boring for others. One person alone might also have conflicting views on the matter, depending on their stage in life.

Whether a fan of 'kitsch' or not, Etienne believes that the publication is approachable from different spectrums, mainly humour, information, layout and voyeurism.

The inspiration for the project came via a lack of freedom in freelance graphic design work. The designer explains: "For that reason I try on the side to produce works that have no limits, apart from those I choose. It is also a space of research for me, like a laboratory, where I can try stuff that is (sadly) not always welcomed by clients."

Discover more over on Behance.

Via direct submission | All images courtesy of Etienne Azar Philippe

First issue of Journal Of The Kitsch magazine cover featuring fragmented images of hands and food held together with a metallic binding band
Person holding open Journal Of The Kitsch publication displaying text about the thin line between obscene and vulgar alongside an image with pink-gloved hands
Open spread of Journal Of The Kitsch publication showing pastel pink pages with layered typographic text exploring concepts of aesthetics and taste
Spread from Journal Of The Kitsch showing editorial text on left page and article with images of people in various poses on right page
Two figures in dynamic poses against a white background with large outlined letters spelling "AXLE" and text reading "GRAPE" and "JOURNAL
Open magazine spread from Journal Of The Kitsch showing a black lace garment against bare skin in soft peachy tones
Overhead view of a Magazine spread showing delicate typography and numbering on white pages with a sheer fabric detail in pink tones
Open pages of Journal Of The Kitsch magazine featuring a "Small Humanoid Creatures" article with bold typography, garden gnome photographs and floral imagery alongside body text
Pages from Journal Of The Kitsch publication showing typographic layout with article text and section headers in varying font sizes
Hand holding a translucent pink and white striped fabric or garment against a pale background
An open magazine spread with soft pink and white tones, displaying abstract geometric layouts and minimal typography across two facing pages
Two open pages from Journal Of The Kitsch publication, left page showing a figure in pink ballet attire with large text, right page featuring an illustration of a blonde woman in a lavender ball gown
Two open pages from Journal Of The Kitsch showing hundreds of illustrated figures in colourful outfits and poses, arranged in a grid layout exploring aesthetic taste and style
Collection of illustrated Barbie dolls in various pink and colorful outfits arranged on a white page from Journal Of The Kitsch
Journal of the Kitsch magazine spread featuring a portrait photograph on the left page and article layout titled "Barbie is Real" with accompanying images on the right page
Two-page spread from Journal Of The Kitsch featuring an article about ice skating with bold typography, multiple photographs of figure skaters, and body text exploring the sport's history and expression
Two pages from Journal Of The Kitsch showing a person in formal attire with raised arm on the left and the same figure inverted on the right page
Two pages from Journal Of The Kitsch showing multiple figures in various poses arranged across a light background with faint text overlays
Double-page spread from Journal Of The Kitsch showing large outlined typography and dense columns of small text below, printed in grey tones on white paper
Journal Of The Kitsch publication spread showing bold outlined typography and dense text columns on white paper
Two pages from Journal Of The Kitsch showing collaged images of inverted figures merged with fabric textures and abstract elements on minimalist layouts
Spread from Journal Of The Kitsch showing a collage of colourful photographs and images arranged at various angles on a white background
Open magazine spread displaying the text "CONTESTING FOR BEAUTY OVER EVERYTHING" in large white typography on a dark grey background from Journal Of The Kitsch
Spread from Journal Of The Kitsch showing magazine layouts with photographs of models wearing dramatic wing accessories and performance imagery, alongside body text and a quote about beauty
Page from Journal Of The Kitsch featuring a Confucius quote about beauty, alongside images of pageant contestants in pink and formal wear
Group of women and children wearing pink and white outfits posing in front of a floral garden backdrop with sashes and crowns
Hands in pink gloves holding open Journal Of The Kitsch magazine, displaying article spreads with photographs and text about aesthetics and taste
Spread from Journal Of The Kitsch featuring a muscular man in a purple bikini with overlaid text and smaller photographs of bodybuilders on the right page
Two open pages from Journal Of The Kitsch magazine displaying photographs and text about bodybuilding, beauty and strength, with quotes from Leo Tolstoy and Edgar Allan Poe
Open spread of Journal Of The Kitsch publication showing pastel-toned pages with layered text and imagery exploring aesthetics and taste
Pink-tinted cover page of Journal Of The Kitsch featuring bold white typography and the name Charles Vaubeline in smaller text below
Multiple copies of Journal Of The Kitsch publication arranged in an offset grid pattern, each displaying bold typography and peachy-toned imagery on white covers.
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