Walter Benjamin - The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
1. In Section III, Walter Benjamin discusses our desire for reproduced art. Is our desire to "get hold of an object" and bring it closer "spatially and humanly" symptomatic of our modern society or is it inherent in us as human beings? Would ancient artistic cultures have collected on the same scale as modern people if they had had the means?
2. Benjamin states "The greater the decrease in the social significance of an art form, the sharper the distinction between criticism and enjoyment by the public." Does his thesis hold true today with art produced for the masses? What are some examples?
Two good questions. Both leave some room for us to delve into discussion and deeper consideration of the material at hand. Please feel free to share you questions in our discussions!
ReplyDeletejoseph