The term “Aura” can be defined as a work of arts authenticity or originality in other words what makes that piece unique and special. On page 221 of The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction Benjamin states “that which withers in the age of mechanical reproduction is the aura of the work of art”. This can be interpreted as mechanical reproduction diminishing or taking away the work of arts authenticity and what made it so special as it is replicated again and again. Through this replication, people become familiar with the image not necessarily its original form. For example an original painting by a famous artist has a certain aura about it. When holding a photograph or copy of that painting it takes away from the original paintings rarity and it is diminishing the painting authenticity. Benjamin puts it as a “decay of the aura” on page 222. Experiencing the sight of something natural and beautiful outside for example a sunset emits an aura and one diminishes its authenticity by replicating it in a photograph or on film capturing it to be examined and held in ones hands and viewed on a closer level. The “media industry” refers to a sort of collective made up of the different media forms of communicating with the public. Parts of the industry, for example TV, Radio, film and newspapers are now available in cyberspace for people to access them instantly. People are reading the news or listening to the radio via the Internet now and reaping such benefits of having the “media industry” in cyberspace.
Works Citws:
Benjamin, Walter. Illuminations. “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” New York: Schocken Books, 1968. Print.
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