Please download "The work of Art in the age of mechanical reproduction" by Walter Benjamin
In 1936, Benjamin wrote with alarming foresight of an age where reproductions are more common - and sometimes, more acceptable to us - than the original.
The essay has become a hugely significant piece of writing, for everyone connected with image making. It has taken on even greater importance with the advent of digital imaging and the age of the internet, where the concept of 'the original' becomes clouded.
For instance, I'm writing this blog post on my computer, but it looks exactly the same on yours - and on the computers of anyone else who chooses to look. Is there an original?
Take the time to read through Benjamin's essay - twice
Assignment
Choose an iconic image* that you are familiar with - through a reproduction (*Photograph, drawing, painting, sculpture, maybe even a building, but if you choose a person, please refer to a specific image of them.)
Research contextual biographical details of the work and author. With a minimum of 1000 words in mind, explain through which form of reproduction and in what context you can first recall seeing that image*.
Have you ever seen the original? If you have - did it surprise you, reassure you, or disappoint you? If you haven’t seen it - do you want to?
Do you think that reproduction of your chosen image diminishes the original? (Bad?)
Do you think that the reproduction of your chosen image democratises it and enables more people to see it? (Good?)
Make reference and use quotes from Benjamin's essay (and other texts you may already be aware of) where appropriate.
Conclude with an overview of the different forms the image now takes - through mechanical reproduction. And where is the ‘original’?
Submission: Monday 3rd March - Lecture theatre at 10.00am.
Walter Benjamin leads into ideas about simulation (simulacra) and Hyper-reality - best described by Umberto Eco
Here's a link to a Guardian article about tourists' disappointment with famous landmarks and tourist attractions.
This link will take you to Martin Parr's pictures of modern tourism
In 1936, Benjamin wrote with alarming foresight of an age where reproductions are more common - and sometimes, more acceptable to us - than the original.
The essay has become a hugely significant piece of writing, for everyone connected with image making. It has taken on even greater importance with the advent of digital imaging and the age of the internet, where the concept of 'the original' becomes clouded.
For instance, I'm writing this blog post on my computer, but it looks exactly the same on yours - and on the computers of anyone else who chooses to look. Is there an original?
Take the time to read through Benjamin's essay - twice
Assignment
Choose an iconic image* that you are familiar with - through a reproduction (*Photograph, drawing, painting, sculpture, maybe even a building, but if you choose a person, please refer to a specific image of them.)
Research contextual biographical details of the work and author. With a minimum of 1000 words in mind, explain through which form of reproduction and in what context you can first recall seeing that image*.
Have you ever seen the original? If you have - did it surprise you, reassure you, or disappoint you? If you haven’t seen it - do you want to?
Do you think that reproduction of your chosen image diminishes the original? (Bad?)
Do you think that the reproduction of your chosen image democratises it and enables more people to see it? (Good?)
Make reference and use quotes from Benjamin's essay (and other texts you may already be aware of) where appropriate.
Conclude with an overview of the different forms the image now takes - through mechanical reproduction. And where is the ‘original’?
Submission: Monday 3rd March - Lecture theatre at 10.00am.
Walter Benjamin leads into ideas about simulation (simulacra) and Hyper-reality - best described by Umberto Eco
Here's a link to a Guardian article about tourists' disappointment with famous landmarks and tourist attractions.
This link will take you to Martin Parr's pictures of modern tourism
No comments:
Post a Comment