kMO Benjamin

In theory art has always been a piece of work that could be reproduced. In earlier times, master artisans would reproduce a product for a profit and pupils would reproduce that same product for learning purposes. However, in present times when a mechanical aspect is thrown in the mix, it appears that the original work loses its appeal and originality.

Benjamin states, “Even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: it’s presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be.” As soon as I read this, the first word that popped into my mind is, Photoshop. With this program it is possible to take an original and implant or remove anything you want. Is it possible that the unique existence of any body of work is solely determined by its UNALTERED history? If so, we are screwed....

It is my opinion that the mass production of art has resulted in a deapreciation of the arts. As art progresses in a technological aspect we risk losing the “aura” of art that Benjamin discusses throughout this section. The idea of quantity over quality is flourishing and creating a mass marketing industry out of a tradition-based trade.

“All efforts to render politics aesthetic culminate in one thing: war.” (34) Benjamin claims that there are numerous ways that war embodies beauty and “mass produces” art. I enjoy art and hate war so initially that statement infuriated me and I almost put the book down – good thing I didn’t. After reading the next few lines I disovered that this manifesto is one of most intelligent ideas I have read this year.

War is beautiful because it initiates the dreamt – of metallization of the human body
Ware is beautiful because it enriches a flowering meadow with the fiery orchids of machine guns.
War is beautiful because it combines the gunfire, the cannonades, the cease-fire, the cents and the stench of putrefaction into a symphony.
War is beautiful because it creates new architecture like that of the big tanks, the geometrical formation flights, the smoke spirals from burning villages and many more.

When broken down, every one of these feelings can be applied to what is represented in beautiful artwork. The emotions, the human desires, the smells, and the aura of life are what artists spend a lifetime trying to capture.