CMST 3900 -- Rhetoric of Cyberculture
Dr. Sells
Fall 2003

Reading Worksheet -- Benjamin

Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
by Walter Benjamin


1. Reading directions: Read sections I through VI, XII, and XV

2. Brief summary of the essay:

From KISS of the Panopticon:
http://mirror.tranquileye.com/panop/author_B.htm#BENJAMIN

Here he argues that because of mechanical reproduction, art loses its authenticity. But this is good, because it democratizes and politicizes art. He also noted that with every stage of reproduction of an original work of art, that work loses some of its "aura." He argued that art might help free people, not enslave them in a capitalist culture industry.

i) Culture itself transformed an into industry; art therefore commodified.
ii) Art was "successful" only when it allowed critical contemplation.
iii) Contemporary culture is how oppressive ideologies are reproduced and disseminated.
iv) New media technologies such as phonographs, epic theatre, and especially film and photography, not only destroy art's "aura"
but demystifies the process of creating art, making available radical new access and roles for art in mass culture.
v.) The spectator becomes a participant, joins the author in the production; a collaborator.


3. Reading Questions:

A. Using Benjamin's essay, define the following terms

authenticity (sec II) --


aura (sec II) --


cult value (sec V) --


exhibition value (sec V) --


B. What is the main point of each of the following sections?

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

XII.

XV.


C. In section II, Benjamin writes:

The technique of reproduction detaches the reproduced object from the domain of tradition. By making many reproductions it substitutes a plurality of copies for a unique existence. And in permitting the reproduction to meet the beholder or listener in his own particular situation, it reactivates the object reproduced.

What does this quote mean?




D. In section IV, Benjamin writes:

For the first time in world history, mechanical reproduction emancipates the work of art from its parasitical dependence on ritual. To an ever greater degree the work of art reproduced becomes the work of art designed for reproducibility. From a photographic negative, for example, one can make any number of prints; to ask for the "authentic" print makes no sense. But the instant the criterion of authenticity ceases to be applicable to artistic production, the total function of art is reversed. Instead of being based on ritual, it begins to be based on another practice--politics.

What does this quote mean?




E. Benjamin argues that mass mediated art (like movies) turn off our critical thinking because we focus too much on enjoying the entertainment instead of concentrating on its quality. Do you agree or disagree? Why?