LightningBolt, Benjamin

A word that Walter Benjamin repeatedly links to the concept of reproduction is “tradition.” We now live in a time where things are created, then copied and produced in mass quantities. It is incredible rare now to own something that has never been reproduced. It was not too long ago when things where made by hand and each object was slightly different because it was made by the human hand, which is incapable of perfection. It is now a reasonable thought to assume that if you see an object that someone owns it will be no harder than going to an internet site to purchase it. This increase in mass production has taken away the tradition, uniqueness, and the story in all the goods, art, and clothes that we own.

While traveling in South America I saw this beautiful painting, it was something that I had to have, but I decided I would explore the rest of the day and buy it on my way back so I would not have to carry it the entire day. To my surprise the entire city was covered in little shops selling almost exact replicas of this painting. I felt stupid to think that it was a unique painting and I was finding a treasure. After seeing all of the replicas I had no desire to buy the painting. It had no more meaning to me than a rip off they get all the tourist to buy. It is amazing how something being an original provokes such different feelings than after something is reproduced. Benjamin is right, there was no tradition in the piece for me, there was no mystery in its time of existence, or previous owners.

After reading Benjamin I feel a bit sad that I live in a time of reproductions. I think it would be fascinating and meaningful to live in a time when everything was original and unique.