Illuminate!

Illuminations by Walter Benjamin makes some very interesting points and relates to some of the pieces we have already read. The first two sections make an argument about reproductions similar to Berger’s. We are introduced to the many means of reproduction that have come about through history. These include founding and stamping, woodcut, print, engraving, etching, lithography, photography, and film. “Even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be. This unique existence of the work of art determined the history to which it was subject throughout the time of its existence. This includes the changes which it may have suffered in physical condition over the years as well as the various changes in its ownership.” This quote is similar to Berger’s argument that reproductions are not good representations of an artwork because they lack so much authenticity (authenticity is another concept discussed in section 2). Section 3 explains that “the mode of human sense perception chances with humanity’s entire mode of existence. The last sentence of section 3 discusses a “process”; this is similar to the Semiotics and Art History reading. Section 4 introduces politics; “the instant criterion of authenticity ceases to be applicable to artistic production, the total function of art is reversed. Instead of being based on ritual, it begins to be based on another practice-politics.” Part 5 discussed the fact that works of art are received and values completely different (“polar”) ways. The two main ways examined here are “accent on cult value” and “exhibition value of the work.” Section 5 makes an interesting remark about context that is similar to that in Semiotics and Art History. What is around the work of art (what context the art is in) has an effect on its interpretation and the experience one has when observing the artwork. Section 7 discusses the question of whether photography is an art. In my opinion, as someone who loves photography, it is definitely and art form. I certainly let my creative juices flow when taking pictures…it is in a huge way, how I express myself. Section 14 introduces Dadaism. Marc Lowenthal said, “Dada (Dadaism) is the groundwork to abstract art and sound poetry, a starting point for performance art, a prelude to postmodernism, an influence on pop art, a celebration of anti-art to be later embraced for anarcho-political uses in the 1960s and the movement that lay the foundation for Surrealism.” This section also discusses and compares many things with film. I think section 15 makes a very interesting argument when Benjamin says, “Since…individuals are tempted to avoid such tasks, art will tackle the most difficult and most important ones where it is able to mobilize the masses. The epilogue confused me a little bit. Where did all this discussion about war come from? Can anyone explain this portion?