Melanie Roth - Benjamin

I felt very challenged by this reading and had to reread many of the passages to get the slightest understanding of what was being discussed. Walter Benjamin’s essay, The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, offers theories and discussions about perception within art, more specifically related to photography and film. While reading through this text, I tried to relate Benjamin’s discussion to what I have witness in my current life. I had a hard time determining whether this whole essay was centered on art, and the idea of value that has stemmed from mechanical reproduction, of if it is about politics with the underlying focus on capitalism and fascist ideologies. “When the age of mechanical reproduction separated art from its basis in cult, the semblance of its autonomy disappeared forever” (Benjamin 42). Here he relates this reproduction to cult tendencies, and claims that the original work of the art has been separated from all of its authority, due to its mass consumption.

“Man-made artifacts could always be imitated by men. Replicas were made by pupils in practice of their craft, by masters for diffusing their works, and, finally, by third parties in the pursuit of gain. Mechanical reproduction of a work of art, however, represents something new” (Benjamin 38). This is the passage that completely changed my perception of the reading. At the beginning of the passage he focuses on elements that I find to be positive when replication art, such as pupils benefiting by being able to practice. He introduces this new concept of mechanical reproduction when he states that is now represents something new.

            I personally do not think that the act of reproducing art removes the authority of the original creator. For example, famous pieces of art from the past are displayed in museums and historical buildings. I believe that it is actually a compliment for these pieces to be replicated, and accessible for purchase, to the general public. In this situation, the artist themselves are always genuinely praised and well known. In my opinion, this mechanical reproduction is far from the idea of capitalism, and overall, it simply demonstrates an appreciation for the art itself.

            I have included some pictures, providing examples, of how art can be reproduced and purchased in the twenty-first century.