HIGH CAMP Meaning and
Definition
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High camp refers to a style of extravagant and exaggerated artistic expression that is often marked by a deliberate overemphasis of elements such as absurdity, theatricality, flamboyance, and ostentatiousness. This aesthetic approach is characterized by an ironic and self-aware appreciation of popular culture, kitsch, and clichéd themes, resulting in a deliberate embrace of excess and artificiality. High camp can be found across various mediums, including literature, fashion, film, theater, and visual arts.
In literature and film, high camp may involve the use of over-the-top dialogue, exaggerated character portrayals, and melodramatic plotlines. It frequently employs irony and satire to mock societal norms and conventions, often adopting a tongue-in-cheek attitude towards its subject matter. High camp fashion often incorporates vibrant colors, unconventional clothing choices, and flamboyant accessories that defy traditional notions of style and taste.
The term "high camp" is rooted in the LGBTQ+ community, where it has historically served as a subversive and playful form of self-expression. It has gained wider recognition and popularity as an artistic style appreciated by a broader audience, breaking the boundaries between high culture and lowbrow entertainment. High camp celebrates the artificial, the excessive, and the provocative, challenging conventional standards of taste and aesthetics. Its purpose is to entertain, provoke laughter, and subvert expectations, allowing individuals to revel in the joyous embrace of the exaggerated and the absurd.
Common Misspellings for HIGH CAMP
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Etymology of HIGH CAMP
The term "high camp" originates from theatrical and artistic circles, particularly in relation to the drag queen and LGBTQ+ subcultures in the mid-20th century. It is derived from the French term "camp", which means "style" or "manner". The concept of "camp" was popularized by writer and filmmaker Susan Sontag in her 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp,'" where she defined it as a sensibility characterized by theatricality, irony, exaggerated style, and an appreciation for the artificial and artificiality. The addition of "high" to "camp" emphasizes an elevated level of exaggeration and theatricality, often exceeding the boundaries of what is considered normal or conventional. The term has since been widely used to describe works of art, fashion, performances, or any form of expression that embraces and celebrates artificiality, kitsch, and excess.
