"The Work of art in the mechanical age of reproduction"
1. In section I the writer starts out by saying, "In principle a work of art has always been reproducible". Then goes on to say in section IV, "Every day the urge grows stronger to get hold of an object at very close range ", why is it as humans that we have a need to duplicate art so that we each can possess it. Why aren't we satisfied with just the one original.
2. In section V it goes in depth on the cult value of a piece. How it is hidden away and only some can actually view it, but as time goes on it says in section VI, "exhibition value begins to displace cult value all along the line". What changes this? Is it purely the fact that it became easier to reproduce art or are there underlying factors?
I suppose, in response to question 1, we are just conditioned as society to want 'power'. All of us, especially at a young age, want the world in the palm of our hands and to manipulate it to pleasure's end. We may not be truly satisfied by the original because the original belongs to 'everyone'. And since we want power, we want a copy for ourselves. A little scary in a way.
ReplyDeleteIf I understand correctly, exhibition value tends to = cult value. An exhibition is like a ritual unto itself, where not everyone at first reveal will see the original. And then it makes its way through word of mouth to everyone that the ritual is somewhat successful, and then it creates interest for 'everyone' to see. The exhibition/ritual is almost opposite of the reproduced object : the original sustains lower interest at first. Yet, if powerful enough, it can create potentially more effectiveness than any reproduction could.