"The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction"
Walter Benjamin, 1936


(a) What is the "Aura" of a work of art?

The "Aura" of an artwork is in its originality and uniqueness. The "Aura" is the truth of an artwork in its natural state of existance, uninhabited by reproduction. Its changes in both physical and transmissable form through time and space are characteristics of an artwork's "Aura". According to Walter Benjamin, the "Aura" is both present and permanent.


(b) In Benjamin's mind, what effects did mechanical reproduction, such as film and the camera/photography, have on the viewer's perception of art?


- detatchment and/or lack of tradition and presence
- easier to view; more accessible
- art should be created to be reproduced and viewed by the masses (rather than made for ritual/cult value)
- art had more of a political agenda
- less contemplation for the viewer in terms of film and photography (audio/captions)
- film as supernatural; and optical illusion of truth to reality, space and time
- barrier or matrix seperating the viewer from reality (film)
- no need for the viewer to travel or see the world when it can be reproduced for you
- distortion of "Aura" by means of slow motion or photographic enlargments
- fascist agenda to accept the war without any contemplation


(c) What is meant by the passage: "for the first time in world history, mechanical reproduction emancipates the work of art from its parasitical dependence on ritual."


Benjamin explains that Art is no longer intended for personal ritual to only a small group of people (churches, temples, museums etc). It is now intended to be made for the masses, made to be seen by man and made to be exhibited. This is his explanation for the loss of "Aura" and true purpose and rather a phony facade.


(d) What mechanically or otherwise reproductive processes are changing the face of art today?

- Global networking and exchange of Art (image replication and distribution): email, blogsites, Facebook, search engines ie. Google

- Personal artist websites

- Live television/internet

- Poster Reproduction

- Gallery Show Cards

- Computer design Programs ie. Photoshop (distortion of imagery)