The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Walter Benjamin

The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction is a seminal essay by German philosopher and cultural critic Walter Benjamin, first published in 1936. In this work, Benjamin explores how the advent of mechanical reproduction technologies, such as photography and film, fundamentally alters the nature, function, and perception of art. He argues that these technologies challenge the traditional aura of unique art objects and democratize access to art, thereby transforming the relationship between art, society, and politics.

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[dan_taninecz_geopol]

Interesting. Seemingly you could argue mass reproduction extends aura, no?

I'd also imagine many, many pre modern artists would contest the claim their art wasn't political.

[cvb]

The portrait looks nothing like Benjamin.