Walter Benjamin's Definition of the Genuineness of Art

Walter Benjamin's Concept of Aura

• In 1935, Walter Benjamin argued that the value of an original artwork lies in its genuineness, which encompasses its material duration and historical witness.
• Benjamin believed that artworks have a unique 'aura' - an unreproducible physical history and material connection to the artist - which replicas lack.
• The 'aura' concept suggests that an artwork's value is tied to its physical creation and connection to the artist.

The Impact of Technology on Art

• The introduction of mechanical production and digital technology has raised concerns about the role of the artist and the value of art.
• Nicolas Carr's concern about the digital era reflects Benjamin's ideas, questioning whether something can possess an aura of authenticity without a human touch.

Historical Context: Assigning Value to New Media

• The introduction of recording technology in the early 20th century led to fears about the devaluation of stage presence and charisma in music.
• However, history has shown that recording technology has added value to the music industry, enabling the development of new music genres and styles.

Case Studies: Mona Lisa and Readymades

• The Mona Lisa's endless reproduction has not diminished the value of the original painting, highlighting the significance of 'aura' in defining an artwork's value.
• Marcel Duchamp's ready-mades, such as 'Fountain', questioned the role of the artist as a maker and challenged traditional notions of authenticity and authorship.
• Ready-mades have since been recognized as pioneering works that explore the concept of aura in modern art.

The Evolution of Aura

• The concept of aura has evolved to encompass not only handmade artworks but also works that aren't made or performed by the artist.
• Today, aura can be derived from originality of ideas as much as handiwork, and its significance relies on the historical witness it bears.