'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction'
This essay, written in 1936 has become a standard reference for any attempts to analyse and understand the:
- Interrelation of political, technological and artistic development under capitalism
- His insights are especiallu useful for the political analysis of film.
For Benjamin, Art must not just be evaluted in terms of it's depiction of the social reality of class oppositions; Art must be analysed in terms of it's technique and in terms of it's position.
He wrote that Art must not stand above and outside the context of living social relations; he wanted to see the barriers of competance, the distinctions between artist and audience broken down.
Benjamin talks about mass communication that has been made possible by the arrival of mechanical reproduction.
Mechanical Reproduction:
Mechanical reproduction makes possible the involvement of the masses in culture and politics, it makes possible mass culture and mass politics.
Aura:
In mechanical reproduction, Benjamin believes the uniqueness and authenticity is destroyed.
"In many respects this is a good thing, it looses it's false importance".
Authenticity:
Benjamin believes this is no longer relevant, for example, in Photography it makes no sense to ask for the 'authentic piece.'
Development of Film:
With this, he argues that the audience no longer stand in awe of the work of Art. The very nature of Art is transformed.
False consiousness if maintained.
A false 'Aura' is created.
Film: Benjamin describes film as the only medium that can reproduce the masses and bring them face to face with themsevles.
Facism: He believes that Facism introduces aestetics into political life as a way of giving the masses a chance to express themselves.
Communism: Finally, he feels that Communism responds by politicizing Art, by demystifying the production, distribution, form and content of Art in an attempt to make Art serve the cause of the masses and not vice versa.
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