Russel Christian M.

Balino November 26, 2018

CH12FA1

THE WORK OF ART IN THE AGE

OF MECHANICAL REPRODUCTION

Guide Questions:

1. How do new technologies change the old forms and the way we
perceive them knowing that there is dialectic between these two
technologies?
Human technology and understanding improved with the
progress of society. It gave rise to the different types of reproduction
of art as well as the perception of art. The reproduction of art played
very important roles in human society. Art was always susceptible to
reproduction. According to the essay, the evolution of perception
changes, the old forms starts to fades away. Consciousness also allows
us to think with wider and extensive perception.

2. What is the difference between manual and mechanical or technical

reproduction of art? How is the original work distinguished from a
reproduction?
Technical reproduction of art might be considered as the
practical reproduction of art. Also called mechanical reproduction,
defined the ‘aura’ as the phenomena of feeling distance even when
one is close to the object. Benjamin seems to be concerned about
people submitting themselves to modern mechanical reproduction and
failing to realize the value of authenticity.
3. What kind of change in human perception occurs at that point in
history when mechanical reproduction becomes possible (for texts, the
16th century; for images, the 19th century)?
In today’s day and age, we seem to forget that nothing can
replace originality and first-hand experience. Text-messaging and
phone calls can provide happiness for a short time but there are limits.
Seeing something on screen “steals” the effect of reality and people
today must realize that they should not be living within a world of
copies and movies. The mass reproduction of an object cannot provide
the authenticity and uniqueness of the original and this can apply to all
aspects of life.

4. How does the idea of the "aura" relate to perception?

The ‘aura’ as the phenomena of feeling distance even when one
is close to the object argues that through reproduction, it is destroyed.
Benjamin argues that technology is changing art and our perceptions.
All art is replicable, which brings into question the worth of the art if it
is not “original.” specifically focusing on the fact that reproduction does
not duplicate that original aura.

5. What was the social function of an artwork in periods and places that
did not have access to mechanical reproduction? How has that function
changed in our era?
Imagining a scenario in which we had no access to any other
medium in which artwork could be reproduced. How could we know
the difference between Van Gogh and Picasso paintings? Words alone
would only leave the differences to the imagination instead of being
more concrete. Most probably, those who have no access were only
recorded in our books nevertheless a non-prominent art.