In Walter Benjamin's article 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction', he argues that contemporary technology takes historical art for granted, for instance by reproducing works of art or having people pay just to see them in a gallery. Andy Warhol's pop art work (top left) uses silkscreen painting and took a long time to produce. In content, the reproductions take very little time.
Benjamin says on his article that 'by making many reproductions it substitutes a plurality of copies for unique existence…'( Benjamin, 1936) By this means, businessmen making money from famous historical artworks by printing them onto a variety of products e.g. bags, t-shirts, shoes, jewellery. Even museums reproduce the original painting so they can sell products of it e.g. postcards, posters. Such activities, make artwork less special and it is unfair for artists such as Warhol. Also some people pay go to a museum where to see the the original print whereas it even thought it is identical to the printed version which can be freely accessed
However, Benjamin also mentions that '..in permitting the reproduction to meet the beholder as listener in his own particular situation, it reactivates the object reproduced' ( Benjamin, 1936) this means that by printing these old paintings onto different surfaces e.g. books, magazines, objects and products the audience and buyers have different viewpoints than just by looking at the art on a wall surrounded by glass in a museum. Nevertheless, it will affect the business of museums as people will prefer to look for the cheapest options and will change the behaviours. For instance they does not feel these old paintings are special anymore as they can see them everywhere.
Benjamin also mentions in his article that said reproductions have added to the break with tradition which began with mass production of objects. The aura which an original of art possesses is missing from the reproductions. As well as making money, these businessman also believe that these historical paintings have the power to change the contemporary world so therefore that's why they keep printing onto a variety of objects and products.
Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages to reproducing work of art. The advances is that the viewer will be able to see these paintings without having to go to the actual museum to see the original piece as they are identical. The downside is that are future generations will not feel that these paintings are special anymore and this will affect art galleries.
Benjamin says on his article that 'by making many reproductions it substitutes a plurality of copies for unique existence…'( Benjamin, 1936) By this means, businessmen making money from famous historical artworks by printing them onto a variety of products e.g. bags, t-shirts, shoes, jewellery. Even museums reproduce the original painting so they can sell products of it e.g. postcards, posters. Such activities, make artwork less special and it is unfair for artists such as Warhol. Also some people pay go to a museum where to see the the original print whereas it even thought it is identical to the printed version which can be freely accessed
However, Benjamin also mentions that '..in permitting the reproduction to meet the beholder as listener in his own particular situation, it reactivates the object reproduced' ( Benjamin, 1936) this means that by printing these old paintings onto different surfaces e.g. books, magazines, objects and products the audience and buyers have different viewpoints than just by looking at the art on a wall surrounded by glass in a museum. Nevertheless, it will affect the business of museums as people will prefer to look for the cheapest options and will change the behaviours. For instance they does not feel these old paintings are special anymore as they can see them everywhere.
Benjamin also mentions in his article that said reproductions have added to the break with tradition which began with mass production of objects. The aura which an original of art possesses is missing from the reproductions. As well as making money, these businessman also believe that these historical paintings have the power to change the contemporary world so therefore that's why they keep printing onto a variety of objects and products.
Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages to reproducing work of art. The advances is that the viewer will be able to see these paintings without having to go to the actual museum to see the original piece as they are identical. The downside is that are future generations will not feel that these paintings are special anymore and this will affect art galleries.
