BENJAMIN, Walter-1935-The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Introduction to Mechanical Reproduction

• Walter Benjamin's work "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" (1935)

• Explores how technological advancements in reproduction affect art and culture.

Key Concepts

• Power of Art: Traditional arts developed by individuals of lesser technological power than present.

  • Reflects on changes in the craft of beauty through technology.

  • Anticipates profound innovations that will impact artistic techniques and the individual's notion of art.

• Historical Context of production: Marx's critique of capitalism assessed production conditions, leading to understanding future societal changes.

  • Emphasizes dialectics of art within the socio-economic context.

  • Highlights the transformation of art in relation to conditions of production.

  • Concepts like creativity and genius are re-evaluated under these conditions and are depicted as outdated under fascist interpretations of art.

Chapter I: Reproducibility of Art

• Art has always been reproducible; methods have evolved from manual imitation to mechanical reproduction.

• Historical examples:

  • Greeks limited to founding and stamping; unique works remained unreplicated.

  • Introduction of woodcuts marked the start of graphic arts becoming mechanically reproducible.

  • Advances like lithography and photography have transformed reproduction, fundamentally altering art's impact.

  • Films signify the height of reproduction technology, revolutionizing consumption of visual and auditory art.

Chapter II: The Aura of Art

• Every reproduction lacks its unique existence in time and space, diminishing its 'aura'.

• Authenticity tied to physical presence and tradition is jeopardized by reproducibility.

• Authenticity anchors historical testimony; mass reproduction detaches art from tradition.

• The concept of 'aura' captures the sense of uniqueness lost through reproduction.

Chapter III: The Changing Nature of Perception

• Human sense perception adapts along with societal developments; historical shifts influence artistic expression.

• Changes in perception reflect societal transformations and the influences of mass movements.

• The aura of natural phenomena (e.g., mountains) illustrates the concept, where proximity diminishes uniqueness.

Chapter IV: Tradition and Ritual in Art

• Art's unique value historically tied to its ritualistic functions; rituals have defined the perception of artistic works.

• The rise of mechanical reproduction liberated art from these rituals, shifting focus from cult to political contexts.

• Distinction between cult value (hidden accessibility) and exhibition value (public display).

• Evolving art forms like photography challenge traditional notions of art.

Chapter V: Cult Value vs. Exhibition Value

• Art begins with ceremonial, cultic objects; their value is increasingly reliant on public accessibility.

• Examination highlights the nature of traditional versus contemporary art consumption.

• Mechanical reproduction transforms art's purpose and challenges the sacredness of traditional forms.

Chapter VI: The Impact of Photography

• Photography exemplifies the clash between cult value and exhibition value.

• Early portraits maintained aura via personal connections, but as society shifted, this aura fades.

• The rise of analytics and critical approaches to film and photography alters audience engagement.

Chapter VII: Historical Perspective on Art Forms

• Earlier debates on photography and painting underscore historical tensions affecting art.

• The technological disruptions led to questions about art's purpose and nature.

• Film's evolution adds complexity to understanding artistic integrity and authenticity.

Chapter VIII: The Role of the Actor

• Film differentiates the actor's performance; live actors present their embodiment directly, while film actors are mediated by cameras.

• Pirandello's insights into the existential crisis of film actors highlight the loss of presence.

• The relationship between audience and actor transforms in the context of film.

Chapter IX: Metamorphosis of the Actor

• The transformative nature of acting in film emphasizes the crisis within the actor's identity.

• Audience interaction with the camera changes conceptualizations of performance and presence.

Chapter X: Art in the Age of Reproduction

• Strangeness of the split between actor and audience marks a significant departure from traditional arts.

• The film industry commodifies personalities; the notion of 'aura' diminishes as media changes.

Conclusion

• The tension between mass media's distractions and art's authenticity explores modern disparities.

• Benjamin critiques both aesthetic and political implications of mass art; Fascism and its aestheticization of war offer insight into contemporary challenges.

• Calls for the politicization of art as a counter to fascist aesthetics, bringing forward the potential for art to reflect societal change.