Post Blog - Benjamin 9/17 Jaime Saure

"Quantity has been transmuted into quality (47)." After discussion, we understand the position Benjamin takes. The process of mechanical reproduction is the technically the term for the depreciation of works of art in value. He spoke of the "aura" of art, how each piece holds its significant value, whether it be ritual and based in tradition, captivating a derived authenticity which is special at first to each viewer. Because of the process of mechanical reproduction, the originality of a piece along with its meaning becomes spread far from its inception, and that it is difficult to find. The reproduction process, however, implicates imperativeness towards the perception of the masses, as Benjamin suggests that it belongs to "humanity's entire mode of existence (39)." Mechanical reproduction transgressed originality, and although it may be lost, it created a new meaning of quantity and turned it into a qualitative significance.

The reinventing, or reproduction, of a work of art is viewed by oppositional ends. For instance in our present time, we as a majority have no concept of a piece of art's originality and meaning, almost in a way that we take it for granted. That it has always been there, and can be seen a thousand times through other sources, and we fail to realize what its true "aura" represents, or represented during its time. However, as time persisted in technological advancements, it brought us photography and film; two devices that changed human perception of not only authenticity, but reality. They can be viewed as an apparatus for destruction of traditional values, however, these devices create newer meanings of artistic representations and auras. Contemporary man has used the ability of mechanical equipment and created a new reality composed from fragmented pieces.