Aura is an interesting term because it based on a non material state that puts a ‘value’ on an object but is not part of the object physically. For example, a stone will be a stone, look like a stone, and be made out of the same material as other stones like it; but if that stone was taken off the moon when the first man walked its face, would this make the stone different from the rest? To us it would because we (the educated human population) know where the stone was, when it was taken, and how it represents history and these three primary things are what give an object an aura. [1] But, If one was to never know about the moon landing, the stone’s aura could never exist with that particular individual which makes the ‘aura’ a part of the receivers perception only.
This idea of the receiver as being a main participant in the preservation of aura is very important and comes into play when cyber aura is discussed and understood. With the ability to record objects and events with sound recorders, video cameras, cell phones, etc. and then be able to publically release them to the many users on the cyber network free of charge pushes the idea of aura on these events and objects. The text states that the aura is lost because it simply cannot be duplicated [2], but another way is to say that a similar aura is created by viewing these once inaccessible events and that a ‘cyber aura’ has been produced by the receiver. [3] Of course, this will not be the same aura, but a definite and important aura none the less.
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[1] Benjamin, Walter: “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction”, Illuminations 1961
[2] Benjamin, Walter: “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction”
[3] Fisher, Annemaria. COLI321. Binghamton University, 2010. Lecture.
I liked the example you used regarding the stone to explain the concept of aura. It provides a clear representation of aura and the many ideas that surround it depending on who the receiver is.
ReplyDeleteI responded to your comment by posting on your entry. Figured that was easiest since my response included concepts from within your entry.
ReplyDeleteI like your example of moon stone because it explains aura very clearly. Since aura always reflect what we value in the society, each receivers have to play a big role in terms of aura. Also, I like how you define "we" as (the educated human population).
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