Mechanical Reproduction

As with most readings from "Media and Ciltural Studies," the first few paragraphs left me wondering what the entire piece from Walter Benjamin is truly about.  It was not until the sentence "In principle a work or art has always been reproducible" that I began to understand the greater context of "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction."

When Benjamin begins discussing authenticity I became enthralled.  He discusses how "even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space" (20).  While it is an amazing gift o be able to reproduce any work of art, he exhaggerates that nothing beats the original.  The feeling, the aura, the history, or the context would all not be there.  The piece of artwork was created in the specific place at the specific time for a specific purpose.  Taken out of the context, one can still read of the history but nobody can exactly feel the authentic piece for what it truly is.

In contrast, I enjoyed how Benjamin provides two positive uses for replicas as the piece is about the advancements replications have provided us with.  He recognizes that replicas can often enhance an image or artwork, and take it to another level visually.  While it would lose its aura, it has the possibility to gain brilliance.  Also, he recognizes that they allow those who would not normally be able to experience great artwork, the opportunity to view or even own a similar experience.

Walter Benjamin provided a well written and a well organized insight into the art of mechanical reproduction.  Interesting because it is a trend that many overlook, for it has been a privilege our generation has always known.  Most of the things we possess today are due to mechanical reproduction, and most of us do not even realize there was ever an original.