THE WORK OF ART IN THE AGE OF MECHANICAL REPRODUCTION

Processing of data in the Fascist Sense. There is the idea that a work of art has always been able to be reproduced by men. At first through apprenticeships, fellowships and latter through mechanical means. The original work of art, because of its status as unique and unprecedented is considered to cast an aura; a spirit very much connected with its essence as a magical or religious artifact. However, it is precisely because of this aura that it is not free to be sold/purchased in a free way as much as copies or reproductions of its image are. “its uniqueness, that is its aura”. it is arguable however, that a masterful reproduction of an art piece, an excellent copy but a copy none the less because of its presence and the ignorance of the beholder that it is a copy becomes for all intents and purposes the original. the aura can be falsified? Art since the beginning has been an object meant to delight or communicate an idea with fellow individuals but also as a way to produce something very much spiritual. from the paintings in cave walls to the most ornamented religious images. Eventually, in the Fascist state, art is used primarily as propaganda. when the political party becomes as central in the life of an individual that completely replaces religion then the distinction between church and state is completely lost and they become one. art in politics, because of its aura reinforces this notion.

Mechanization of art => replication of the Aura => What is aura? => Aura as a religious or magical effect/representation => Aura used in politics (religion and state) => art and political propaganda ( ex. fascist regimes)

THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE