Aura
The aura of a piece of art is the intangible, inherent quality that makes it unique, its ‘soul’ so to say. Benjamin argues in The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction that this aura cannot be completely recreated or reproduced. He describes, for example film, which depends on technology such as the camera as well as the actor which means that the aura is forgone - “there can be no replica of it” (p. 229).
Because of the use of technologies and the change of perspective this brings to the audience, the ‘aura’ is often the first thing to be lost when art is reproduced, even if this is just through photography or cinema. As Benjamin stated, “That which withers in the age of mechanical reproduction is the aura of the work of art” (p. 221) Reproductions of art have always been around, from imitating the technique of great artists to actually reproducing copies of the work. For example, different pieces of art are reproduced in the book “Secret Knowledge”, without which the thesis of the book could not be explained as fully.
Because of the use of technologies and the change of perspective this brings to the audience, the ‘aura’ is often the first thing to be lost when art is reproduced, even if this is just through photography or cinema. As Benjamin stated, “That which withers in the age of mechanical reproduction is the aura of the work of art” (p. 221) Reproductions of art have always been around, from imitating the technique of great artists to actually reproducing copies of the work. For example, different pieces of art are reproduced in the book “Secret Knowledge”, without which the thesis of the book could not be explained as fully.
| Previous page on path | Keyword Glossary, page 23 of 25 | Next page on path |
Discussion of "Aura"
Add your voice to this discussion.
Checking your signed in status ...