Walter Benjamin Views on Experience and Function of Artwork in " The Work of Art in the Age of Its Technological Reproduction"

This article describes the role of technology in the developments occurred in the experience of the work of art in modern era. First، the philosophical fundaments of Benjamin views on experience and the historical backgrounds of his considerations about art are explained. Following، the effects of technology is assessed both on the essence and perception of art. It is discussed that technology، while changing the sentimental apparatus of human being، has effaced the distance and uniqueness of artwork for its audience; a situation which is in turn a direct consequence of the presence of technological reproduction in the sphere of art. The result of such a historical shift is the decline of the artwork’s aura and the replacement of ritual func5 tions by exhibition value. The arts like photography and cinema، which depend on technology، are essentially reproducible and their function is fully exhibitive. Hence، the exhibitive appeal to art for the masses makes it political. Such an appeal can be either of use to totalitarian forces in society، like Fascists، or becomes a means for enlightening the masses and making them compatible with conditions of modern technological life.