The Aura in the Mechanical Age

In order to understand art as a representation of the aura in the modern mechanical age, it is important to supply historical background into the evolution of art forms. From the perspective of Benjamin Walter, through time and space art has lost its presence and become a reproduction of its original state.[1] What once had authority in its authenticity to promote contemplation has been changed due to the loss of context. [2] No longer does an audience need to view a piece of artwork in the manner the artist intended. An example of this can be seen through the following images.
http://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/sunflowerindex.html[3]
http://jyothsnay.wordpress.com/category/van-gogh/[4]

When searching for the famous Sunflowers by Van Gogh on Google these among various other images resulted. Both claim to be the original yet it is obvious this is an impossibility. There are differences in hue, intensity, and overall style. The first image appears to fit better contextually yet without a comprehension of its history either image might be viewed as an original.

Additionally. modernization has generated resources through cyber networks where one can even copy and display this image as a desktop background for their computer. With advancements in technology, there is no need to travel to Holland to feel a sense of 'being cultured.' This depletes artwork's power to invoke contemplation which in turn decreases its aura. Benjamin reinforces this idea when he states,

“The authenticity of a thing is the essence of all that is transmissible from the beginning, ranging from substantive duration to its testimony to the history which it has experienced. Since the historical testimony rests on the authenticity, the former, too, is jeopardized by reproduction when substantive duration ceases to matter. And what is jeopardized when the historical testimony is affected is the authority of the object.” [5]

So to, the ritual and tradition of this piece or any other dissipates through humanity's mode of perception. [6] One might perceive the second image as reality thus altering the authenticity and authority of the original. Through this process of the aura, one's existence is shaped by informative and uninformative availability. [7]

[1]Walter, Benjamin. "Illuminations:The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". New York: Shocken Books. p. 218, 220.

[2]Walter, Benjamin. "Illuminations:The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". New York: Shocken Books. p.220.

[3] The Van Gogh Gallery: The Art Information Resource. Tempelton Reid, LCC. 15 January 2011. 20 February 2011.

[4]Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers could Shine Again. Sunday Mercury.net. 14 February 2011. 20 February 2011.

[5]Walter, Benjamin. "Illuminations:The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". New York: Shocken Books. p.221.

[6]Walter, Benjamin. "Illuminations:The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". New York: Shocken Books. p.222.

[7]Walter, Benjamin. "Illuminations:The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". New York: Shocken Books. p.222.