The
work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction
Benjamin
introduces the principles of art and argues how the works have always been
reproducible (Benjamin, Arendt & Zohn, 1968).
However, from the replication principle, new prints represent something new
irrespective of the producer. The article presents a historical view of the
changes that occur in art and how it was perceived from two dimensions by the
Greeks; stamping and founding. Irrespective of how the art presents itself,
there is always a way of replication, introduction of change to the original
design with the aim of adapting to current events. It is through these changes
that the author fears that ancient art is on the verge of fateful, yet profound
changes. Modern knowledge and power are like a worm, one that embeds and
transforms the entire technique and intention of art, bringing a new notion of
art.
No
matter how efficient the reproduction of art is, the author argues that it
lacks two essential elements; time and space. The two natural occurrences
cannot be copied, and the essence, of preserving art to depict and display
these elements, becomes paramount (Blythe, 2001).
The existence of the work of art is unique and determines the history of either
the artifact or the article or text in question. There are changes physical and
ownership changes that an object undergoes since its conception, and this
create a revealing history that becomes part of the art. It is the lack of
these changes that the author is opposed to the idea of reproduction and
replication.
The
essence of art according to the article is to convey human sense of perception
of the present surrounding (Benjamin, Arendt
& Zohn, 1968). It is the lack of this illumination in replicated
works that the author is opposed to and reproduction of art and proposes
pioneer creations to enact required goals.
References
Benjamin,
W., Arendt, H., & Zohn, H. (1968). Illuminations.
New York: Harcourt, Brace & World.
Blythe,
M. (2001). The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction: The Significance
of the Creative Industries. Journal Of Art & Design
Education, 20(2),
144-150. doi:10.1111/1468-5949.00261
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