Thomas Kinkade Arts I

Thomas Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light", has become one of the most avidly collected, financially successful and controversial painters in history. His paintings are embraced by thousands of faithful collectors and criticized by others for there idyllic scenes which romanticize and illuminate a fantasy life on earth.

Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light, is the leading brand name of Meida Arts Group MAGI, publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as MDA, posted $120 million in net sales for FY 1999, a 53 percent increase over FY98’s $82.7 million. MAGI is the first company to create and develop what it calls a "lifestyle brand" around a product — in other words, the personality of Thomas Kinkade.

Using the strong sales of Kinkade prints as a base, MAGI has entered into numerous licensing agreements with companies like Hallmark, Warner Books and even Lazy-Boy (yes, Kinkade inspired Barcaloungers), and today the name "Thomas Kinkade" appears on hundreds of products, many of which bear little relation to his art. Indeed, MAGI’s corporate vision rests on the wholesale commodification of not just art, but an artist.