Many theorists have some very cool ideas that they are trying to explain to the world, but I think the most fascinating theorists I’ve ever read is Walter Benjamin. This week we discussed a lot of Benjamin and I haven’t had the time to reflect, so now is the time! :)
Walter Benjamin’s most famous work is “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” In this piece he explores the topics of art, cinema, the camera, the meaning of originality and aura. For this particular entry, I want to focus on this one powerful quote that we brought up and discussed in class.
“In principle a work of art has always been reproduced” (Benjamin 2012, 38).
Benjamin explains that the original piece of an artist is only original when it is first painted and stuck on the wall. It is in the original environment of where that artist wanted it to be and it is the first of its kind. Dr.C explained how cave paintings were once considered original for their time, because someone first had to come up with the idea to paint them. Over the span of time others say the cave paintings and decided to start doing the same thing in their cultures. As time progressed and people became more advance so did the art. Now, art today is completely different from what it was back then because now artists start to copy different ideas from other artists into their work. This essence of “original” is not reflected in art anymore because its always being reproduced. As well, in our society today we have all this technology to take pictures of the work or to make copies and sell them for a price. The age of mechanical reproduction is saying that art is no longer original for its oils, swirls and acrylic. No, art today is seen as a commodity.
Benjamin says, “Works of art are received and valued on different planes. Two polar types stand out: with one, the accent is on the cult value; with the other, on the exhibition value of the work” (Benjamin 2012, 41). The authenticity of art has been stripped down because the aura of “original” is known involved with politics. Unfortunately, our society has slapped a big, yellow price tag on all of art.
My departing question for you is… Why or why not is it possible for originality and authenticity to be restored in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction? Are we doomed as a society?
(Rose 2014)
References
Rose, Bethany. 2014. “Art School is for Everyone.” Milk Teeth Blog, October 2.
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