Javier Lloret – Annotation: The Work of Art In The Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Walter Benjamin was a German cultural critic. In 1936 he wrote the essay “The work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction”. The introduction of new technologies like the press on the 15th century, the lithography, photography and the technical reproduction of sound on the 19th century made possible the mechanical reproduction of works of Art. Benjamin, in this essay, analyzes its consequences of the way Art is contemplated, exhibited and reproduced.

Mechanical reproduction of works of Art bring Art closer to the masses but it detaches the reproduced object from the domain of tradition. “Even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be.” He uses the term “aura” to define “that which withers in the age of mechanical reproduction is the aura of the work of art”.

Benjamin also says that the daily press made possible thanks to the “letters to the editor” section that anyone can get publish. He predicted that the distinction between author and public it was going to be vanished. Nowadays we can’t read these sentences without thinking how Internet, blogs and all kind of social networks have brought Benjamin’s prediction to a higher level.

Films, their differences with theater and paintings, the way is perceived are an important part of the essay. Paintings invite the spectator to contemplation, film interrupts by constant changes of images the spectator’s process of association. Authors like George Duhamel detested films: “I can no longer think that I want to think. My thoughts have been replaced by moving images”. Benjamin makes a connection between the effects of films and dadaists's practice: both share an effect of shock on the spectator.

Benjamin’s reflections about the effects of the mechanical reproduction in the art context have been completely reinforced with the invention of Tv, video, computers and Internet. Art movements more connected to technological innovations like video art, net art or digital art have made Benjamin’s words even more pertinent.