What do we really mean when we call something “ugly”? We tend to use the word to describe something that is somehow unappealing. Of course, there are plenty of ugly things: an ill-fitting suit, a drab new office building, a shopping cart dumped in a river. But when things are unpleasant because they’re ugly, it’s usually because they’re also boring or harmful; because they make us, and our environment, worse. This sort of “ugliness” is purely negative. But just think of all the many wonderful things a different sort of ugliness—a more determined, more creative, more positive ugliness—can achieve.1 From the grotesque and comic fusions of medieval marginalia, to the indignities perpetuated on the body in the paintings of Francis Bacon, and the auto-tuned frenzy of experimental musicians 100 gecs: “Ugly” things work not just against but with the beautiful; expanding and transforming the way we see the world. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Fifty Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height. Arts & Culture Films Issue 51 Vicky Krieps An interview with the actor.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
