"The
Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" (1936) is arguably
Walter Benjamin's most notable essay. Benjamin's book attempts not only at
analyzing the historical process that art goes through in the age of mechanical
reproduction but also to see how art can formulate "revolutionary
demands" towards political reality. "The Work of Art in the Age of
Mechanical Reproduction" can therefore be understood as a programmatic
study for understanding and realizing art's revolutionary potential.
Right
from the onset of "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical
Reproduction" Benjamin's Marxist approach and terminology are very much
apparent. Benjamin uses the Marxist notion of dialectical materialism, which
was very popular with the Frankfurt School, in discussing his thoughts about
the ties between the aesthetic and the political. Dialectical materialism holds that social
changes are the result of power struggles that are present in all forms of
material existence. When taking this line of thought to the field of art,
Benjamin attempts at explaining how technological changes influenced art and
how these relations might have social significance.
"The
Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" is also loyal to the
Marxist hope of proletariat revolution, and Benjamin wishes to see how changes
in the world of art can allow for revolutionary art which promotes social and
political change. It should be noted that although Marxism is usually
preoccupied with overthrowing Capitalism, Benjamin is more concerned with the
"enemy" of his times – Fascism. Walter Benjamin saw how Nazi and
Italian Fascism used various art forms in order to strengthen and justify their
totalitarian rule. Benjamin tries to understand what allows the Fascist
ideology to use art to its own needs, and asks what could be a course of action
to free art from Fascist (or Capitalist) exploitation.
Walter
Benjamin's "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction"
was and still is a huge influence not only on Marxist thought but also on art
and culture studies which have turned to look at the ways technological
advancements influence society through art.
See also: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction - short summary by chapter
See also: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction - short summary by chapter
Additional topics:
Walter Benjamin's concept of "Aura" and Authenticity
Reproduction and the loss of the Aura
Walter Benjamin's concept of "Aura" and Authenticity
Reproduction and the loss of the Aura
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