Aura is the physical presence and uniqueness associated with experiencing or witnessing an event first hand. Aura is an indescribable moment that one is experiencing. Aura can be experienced through forms of entertainment such as attending concerts, sports games, or being at an award ceremony. There is no greater feeling than seeing an event right in front of your eyes. Unfortunately, due to the rise of technology people have the luxury of watching or hearing concerts, sports games, or other events on the Internet, TV or the radio. In Walter Benjamin’s work, The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction Benjamin states, “The uniqueness of a work of art is inseparable from its being imbedded in the fabric of tradition” (223). Watching an event on Youtube or on E news is not the same than actually witnessing an event first hand. For example, a few summers ago I attended a Paul McCartney concert opening up Citi Field. Attending the concert was an experience that I will never forget. Being a huge Mets fan, it was incredible to see Paul McCartney who is one of the greatest artists of all time, performing on stage at Citi Field. A few months later the concert came out on DVD. While watching the concert on TV I did not feel the same or have the same experience watching on TV than I did by actually being at the concert. It is a perk to have the Internet and TV to watch events if one cannot attend it; however, art cannot be repeated through forms of communication.
Benjamin, Walter. "Illuminations: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". New York, NY: Shocken Books, 1961. Print.
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