The Aura of a Work of Art

In Benjamin’s “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” the aura is described as the authenticity of work of art. It is what makes an original an original. The aura is rooted in “its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be.” [1] Works of art are created at specific times with specific intentions. Seeing it in its original form in person gives the audience a sense of connection with the art.

The aura of work of art gives it a sense of authority because it is the only one like it. Benjamin describes the value of the authentic work of art “has its basis in ritual.” [2] It used to be that only the proletariat could afford to go through the rituals of going to see works of art. Through the advances in technology and the cyber world these same works of art are now available to the lower classes. The rituals that were associated with going to see art work are no longer there because now anyone can easily google a Van Gogh and go through the same experience as someone who went to go see it personally.

[1] Benjamin, Walter. "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction." Literary Theory. Julie Rivkin. Blackwell Publishing, 2004. Print. Pg.1235

[2] Benjamin, Walter. "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction." Literary Theory. Julie Rivkin. Blackwell Publishing, 2004. Print. pg. 1236