OUGD601 / Walter Benjamin's The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

It was recommended I look at the essay by Walter Benjamin The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction (1935).

Main ideas in the essay:

- Benjamin argues that technology is changing art, just like our changing perceptions.

- All art is replicable, which brings into question the worth of the art if it is not “original.” 

- Copies do not duplicate that original aura. 

- This continuous reproduction affects our apperception and causes a decay of the aura

One of art’s functions is its value: its “cult value” and its “exhibition value.” 

Cult: Originally, art was meant to be magical and hidden from the outside world, a “magical” projection of early man’s inner aspirations.

Exhibition: Modern “emancipation” of art has increased the chances for it to be on public display as means for profit and economy. 

- The shift between original “cult value” and modern “exhibition value” has thus transformed the overall quality of the art produced.