The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction (by Walter Benjamin)

Walter Benjamin’s "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" argues that when art is reproduced through technology like photography and film, its unique 'aura'—its authenticity and historical presence—diminishes. Reproductions make art more accessible but also detach it from its original context, altering how we experience and value it. Benjamin suggests that mechanical reproduction democratizes art but also changes its cultural significance, transforming its role in society. Overall, he explores how technology reshapes our connection to art and its meaning in modern life.