"Even the most perfect reproduction of a work
of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique
existence at the place where it happens to be. This unique existence of the
work of art determined the history to which it was subject throughout the time
of its existence"
What this quote means is that no matter how perfect
a reproduction of a work of art it will always just be that; a reproduction and
not the real thing. It’s impossible for it to have the “aura” it had when it
first happened. I chose this quote because it is the very same reason why I love
to attend live sporting events, to capture these memories at its rarest form,
to be able to say “I was there when (certain event) happened”.
1. What is the difference
between cult value and exhibition value in art? How does Benjamin see these
values in relation to politics?
Cult value refers to its status in magic and
rituals; while exhibition value refers to the content or the
"information" contained within the piece, literally by showing or
exhibiting it.
2.
What is the difference between Erfahrung and Erlebnisse? How does
it relate to art?
Erfahrung is Integrated experience, it is a
fuller and more developed "mode" of experience as its name implies
than isolated experience. It occurs by understanding the
historical origins of objects that you come into contact with, while Erlebnisse
(isolated experience) is the opposite--objects are encountered in isolation and
usually seem as hostile. Erfahrung establishes a continuity or connection between
experiences, while Erlebnisse sees no connection between one experience and another.
3. Explain some of the positive and negative effects of
the destruction of the "aura" in art.
A negative effect of the destruction of the aura in art
is that once an art is reproducible it loses its uniqueness and quality, it
changes tradition.
While a positive
effect of the destruction of the aura in art is that it allows us to approach
art in a more realistic way, the destruction of the aura allows people to see
"the universal equality of things." Reproduction is then seen as a
positive development even though it does create the possibility for
art to become a mass produced commodity for the first time and also allows new
political forces like fascism to use it as well.
4.
How would you judge or evaluate the impact of forms of mass culture like film
in contemporary life? Have they changed human perception? Are they are
important part of creating political consciousness in the public?
Forms
of mass culture like film had a huge impact on contemporary life, mass culture are important agents of
socialization, mediators of political reality, and should be seen as major
institutions of contemporary societies with a different economic, political,
cultural and social effects. I think mass culture has in fact changed human
perception. And it is a very important part of creating political consciousness
in the public as mass media allows the public to see what is going on.
You answered all of the questions but it kind of sounds like you just took what I said and re-worded it except the last question. What would be an example of integrated versus isolated experience? Or an example of cult value? This is a challenging reading so I want to make sure it is being understood.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the special feeling that comes from being there at a live sports event. However, I think that today special camera and film equipment allows us "see" things that we couldn't otherwise see with the naked eye. For example in my favorite sport there are times that a rider breaks so hard during a race that his rear tire comes off the ground for a couple of seconds and we only notice it after the "instant replay" As a result I gain a new appreciation and respect for the rider. In this case Jünger’s "eviel eye" created a positive experience. I believe that Benjamin's ideas apply more towards actual works of art like a painting, fresco or even a Play.
ReplyDeleteMass culture has become an integral part of our lives. From the perspective of politics, we can see how the news media can portray a story to influece the mind of the public in a certain direction. Very few media outlets have a netral standpoint. In America, most of the news media powerhouses are either Democrat affiliated or Republican affiliated. So depending on the affiliation, stories are presented in a way to mark their allegiances. Becuase of this biasdness, news reporting has become a monopoly of the rich which plays to its vested interests at the cost of the middle and lower classes in society.
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