The Specter of Kinkade: Art, Exploitation, and Legacy

This chapter explores the exploitative marketing practices surrounding Thomas Kinkade's art, which devastated gallery owners while manipulating a Christian audience's beliefs for profit. It discusses Kinkade's tumultuous personal life, including addiction and legal troubles, alluding to the stark contrast between his public persona and private struggles. As the chapter reflects on his complex legacy, it reveals the darker realities of commercial success in the art world, highlighting both the financial fallout for avid collectors and the ongoing adoration from fans.