Jai – Benjamin Response

Benjamin’s statement that “even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be,” or in its “aura.” Benjamin defines the term “aura” of the work of art as “that which withers in the age of mechanical reproduction”. Do you agree or disagree with this assessment of mechanical reproduction? Why or why not?

I agree with this assessment of mechanical production because it does an excellent job of explaining how feeling and perceiving are critical pieces of artistic expression. It also is an accurate assessment of how capitalism impacts the art we consume in our daily lives. The mechanical reproduction of art requires that the original piece be recreated for others to obtain, and by reproducing what exists art cannot prioritize uniqueness and value. Additionally, the art can be manipulated and convey a different message than the original work. We are fascinated by the Egyptian pyramids because of they are both impressive feats of architecture + they symbolize a civilization that existed long before our own. The remakes of the pyramids that one might see in Las Vegas don’t have that same impact because we know it was recreated for commercial purposes.