Week 3: The aura

 

        Printmaking is very different from analog photography. Printmaking is a process where an image or drawing is carved into a linoleum block and then transferred onto another surface, usually some type of paper or fabric. Analog photography is often referred to as film photography. Film photography uses a chemical process to develop images and film. Analog photography is no better or worse than digital photography. These two art styles are very different in the way that they are created and the materials that are used to create them, however, they are both very tedious processes that take multiple days to complete.   

      Both Prints and reproduction are copies of something else. whether that is by means of painting, printing or photography. Painting is exactly what you'd think it is; copying someone else's work through paint. Sometimes this is controversial, however, very useful for practicing and enhancing skills. Printing is just seen as making a copy of the artwork rather than copying the artwork. And photograph is a way to preserve or make the art more accessible. 

    Sometimes mechanical reproduction can harm original pieces of art. This is because people feel as though the mechanical reproduction of art separates it from its origin, limits its naturally unique existence, and reduces the artwork's authority over the viewer. By copying or recreating a piece of art, it can become seen as less valuable or worthy. On the other hand, creating copies of an artwork allow it to be shared worldwide, propelling art culture forward. 

    According to Benjamin, authenticity is needed in order to classify something as having an aura. Landscapes, landmarks, people, and historical objects can all have auras because they are original and raw. Mechanical reproduction of an artwork takes away the authenticity and the chance of having an aura. Mechanical reproduction only leaves a copy. I'm not sure what I think about this because I never thought of things or objects as having auras before reading Benjamin's essay. It makes sense to me that only original things can have auras but I don't think that it should decrease the value of a replica especially if the copy is communicating a powerful or progressive message. On the other hand, I also believe that energy can be put within a replica whether its created with good or bad intention. 

    Reproduction of artwork can change its purpose by diminishing the aesthetic value of the original piece.  The aura and uniqueness of an artwork is removed in a mechanical copy. Benjamin says "By making many reproductions its substitutes a plurality of copies for a unique existence. And in permitting the reproduction to meet the beholder or listener in his own particular situation, it reactivates the object reproduced. These two processes lead to  a tremendous shattering of tradition which is the obverse of the contemporary crisis and renewal of mankind". Benjamin is saying that without authenticity and uniqueness, there is no value to that piece of art. It's okay for a photograph or a print of an artwork to be mass produced because it's seen as away to make the work more accessible to the world. On the contrary,  recreating a work of art is seen as unoriginal or even as a rip-off. 

    While painting, a scene is being taken in and observed for what it is and replicating it. The essence of space and time are being considered. While in film, the subject and/or scene is being captured directly. Film allows us to view things close-up making it more vulnerable and real. Only film is capable of this. Both mediums consider time and space but in different ways. In a painting you can view space in the depth of the scene and layers of the paint. Time stands still. In film, time is ongoing. Space adds value to the film, creating an emotional bond with the audience. I can agree that painting and film are very different from each other because of the connection to the viewer. However, both are unique and valuable in their own ways. 

    The internet has turned people into content machines simply because of the appeal of open communication. Word travels fast on the internet. Not only is a lot of content created for free but it's also created for out of enjoyment. People love connection and recreation. Because our world is so vast, multiple people can create the same content and still gain a lot of recognition. Most of these people are just covering things that the general public may already know. People have always wanted a voice and the internet is a way for everyone to share theirs.