Walter Benjamin: Aura in Art

1. By Sam Jones Walter Benjamin:Aura in Art

2. The Aura • The word associated with the idea that original art has a unique spirit and soul, is known as the “aura.” • This gives value to the artwork • Bestowed onto a painting by the artist. • The aura also signifies the paintings place in space and time. • Provides true originality. -Mark Kostabi

3. Duplication “In principle a work of art has always been reproducible. Man-made artifacts could always be imitated by men.” -Walter Benjamin original copy A piece of art does not have to be an original idea, even if a painter practices his craft by repainting a famous work, he is still applying a personal aura to that painting. It will not be the same as the original, but it will still hold an aura.

4. Reproduction • The age of technology has brought on what WB describes as “mechanical reproduction” Even the best reproductions of art lack the presence in time and space of the originals. To Walter Benjamin, the presence of the original is key. Reproduction degrades the authenticity of originals to the point of the loss of the original.

5. Art for Politics • The mechanical reproduction of art forces it to be centered away from the ritual of art, and towards politics. • This changed art is valued based on its cult and exhibition values. • Cult value: applies ceremonial status to images. Important for their existence not their presence. • Exhibition value: a piece of art meant directly for public display. Art made for the audience Technical reproduction boosts this process.

6. Mass Production Forms of mechanical reproduction: Founding Stamping Woodcut Lithography Printing Press Photography Filming

7. Aftermath of Mass Appeal • Reproductions lessen the impact of of the art; e.g. live music vs. CDs, magazine image vs. portrait • Perception changes based on historical and cultural significances of the piece. • Making something constantly available leaves it less monumental. • Filming makes art accessible to mass audiences

8. Film Film was originally questioned as an art form, much like literature. It is important to understand that film and photography have transformed the entire nature of art. • The audience sees through the cameras vantage point, told where to look • No interaction between audience and actor. • The film actor, unlike the theater actor, loses his aura, and the film becomes about the actors persona (famous actors attract audiences more than plots.)

9. Film cont. • A film is composed of multiple performances which have been edited and altered. • Interpretations pre determined by director. • Film lends itself more heavily to direct interpretation than other mediums due to its undeniable accuracy.

10. Analogy • Painters and magicians are like theater actors. • Inspired by the real world, do not hide anything. • Requires interpretation from audiences. • Cold medium • Photographers and surgeons are like directors. • Artificial and life like, they are adept at bringing the fake to life • Removes the need of audience interpretation. • Hot medium