With the onset of rapid technological development, the production and dissemination of myriad forms of artwork have been done through the use of technology, manipulating an original piece of artwork. According to Walter Benjamin, this act contributes to the loss of the essence of originality: the artwork’s uniqueness or an ‘aura.’ Although the author depicts this as a negative outcome, I believe the manipulation of originality by utilizing different tools and skill sets allows for diverse interpretations. Moreover, the increased accessibility due to the advancement in the mediums through which the artwork can be shared and viewed enables the masses to feel a sense of awareness and belongingness by allowing them to stay involved in the highly visual world. Ultimately, exposure to various artworks promotes not only engagement through inspiring and motivating the masses but also the preservation of such. Therefore, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of technological growth in the art world should be done carefully to avoid losing its value and focusing on mass production for financial gain.
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Nice summary of Benjamin’s text and the relationship between an artwork’s “aura” and technological reproducibility. Your reflections on how accessibility is in exchange with the “aura” is insightful, and you have snythesized how the artworks conception and recpetion should be in relation to its intention.