This past week in class we analyzed Walter Benjamin's "Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". This piece was different than most of our other readings because it related to art, I also liked the focus on photographs and then to actors (stage and film). In his essay, Benjamin claims that since the age of Mechanical Reproduction, art has been viewed differently than intended by it's creators and is losing meaning as it continues to be reproduced and copied. He also stressed the importance of originality (having authenticity and meaning), I liked Benjamin's quote on page 19 where he rightly stated that "in principle a work of art has always been reproducible" which is true but by actually reproducing a piece of artwork he would claim puts the copies 'out of reach' with their original self.
In art today it's funny to see how similar some artists work/styles can be and also who tries to take certain things from other artists - I say this because I used to work for a world renowned sculpture in maine who would only let his work be viewed in the Museum of Modern Art and Various Childrens Hospitals (and by visit to his studio) because he was afraid someone would see what he was doing and copy it. People will do anything for art, to preserve it, sell it, buy it etc. it is part of the market system and will remain a commodity until we can learn to appreciate it more (i think?).
"On my honor I have not given, nor received, nor witnessed any unauthorized assistance on this work"
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