Sarah H, Benjamin

Critical Frameworks Pre Class Blog: Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Benjamin (M 27-31 and 37-53)

 

Hello Blog!

 

After reading “Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” by Benjamin, it struck a nerve in my brain which left me pondering. First off, the monumental change in our society known as modernity inspired Benjamin’s take on art in the age of mechanical reproduction. Benjamin argues that mechanical reproduction changed the development of art, but also posed the question of “What is Art?” questioning the very definition. Although this is the question at hand, I want to write about everything behind it. I want to reflect and discuss the fundamental concepts of cultural and media criticism because after all, art is a form of media that has cultural contexts that are meant to be judged either by an audience or the artist. 

 

The following quote delves into the idea of how our society is perceived by Marx and Engels:

 

“Marx and Engels presented their materialist theory of history whereby material interests and class struggles are conceived as the ruling forces of history—as opposed to the actions of great individuals, ideas and cultural forces, or political events like elections and wars” (Benjamin, 27). 

 

Therefore, Marx and Engel are insinuating that money is the most powerful force in our society, seen throughout history. I agree with this fact to an extent. I agree with this statement strongly. I believe that your economic status influences the struggles you face and your quality of life. Of course, there are exceptions however, if we are taking into account the majority of people’s experience I would wholeheartedly agree that material interests and class struggles are the ruling forces in history, at least thus far. However, despite this, I do believe that actions of people and cultural or political events should also be noted and receive credit for being a ruling force in history as I think they all have and had a time in place in history that led to changes. Hence, the following quote:

 

 

“This influential “base/superstructure” model considers the economy the base, or foundation, of society, and cultural, legal, political, and other forms of life are conceived as “superstructures” which grow out of and serve to reproduce the economic base” (Benjamin, 27)

 

If I were to put my thoughts into a sentence regarding my opinions on this subject matter would use this quote. The idea that your economic status is your foundation and everything else is a superstructure that almost bounces off and grows from that foundation is a perfect way of describing the fact that some citizens in this world have it easier than others in life. As I grew up in Jamaica I had the privilege to attend an American International high school growing up, which allowed me to pursue an International Baccalaureate diploma which I got college credits from. Due to this opportunity, I can now experience American culture firsthand by going to Rollins. 

 

Ultimately, where you come from and the opportunities you have at hand influence almost everything, including the art you create. In the era of modernity, what we create as art has context surrounding it, such as where you come from, what you believe, and how you grew up. 

 

Signing off, 

sassysarah

edited by Meenakshi Gigi Durham and Douglas M. Kellner. (2006). Media and cultural studies : keyworks. Malden, MA :Blackwell.