THE WORK OF ART IN THE AGE OF MECHANICAL REPRODUCTION: Visual & Performing Arts Essay

Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Course
Date
Mechanical Production
Aura refers to the original context in which art was developed. Walter Benjamin relates this concept to authenticity, and art can only be termed authentic when it is in its aura. The explanation extrapolates to the time and space that the art was originally done. The main question to ask is ‘does the art inspire or motivate the same emotions and ideas as they did when they were originally developed?’ The answer to this question needs an understanding of the art in its original form.
Walter Benjamin stated that duplicating art would be a good idea and it should be embraced. He acknowledged that innovation would transform art and more people would be exposed to it. Although the art would be construed and easily manipulated, it would still the purpose of entertaining and enlightening the masses. He also emphasizes the acceptance of the replication concept because it is a mandatory development in art.
Innovation has transformed and simplified numerous human activities. Life is simpler in operation than it was in the last century and time before that. Artists have accepted the idea that ‘aura’ must be overlooked for the art to be consumed and appreciated by a larger audience (Walter 3). Unlike the old centuries where art was inspired and made for the local masses. Contemporary art is dynamic and it serves different purposes to the amusement of numerous audiences. An artist may reside in a different time and space but deliver art that covers the ideas and events ...