Grant Gray Desma-9 Week 3 post
The printing press was initially conceived by the Chinese in 1040 and was subsequently reimagined in the West by Johannes Gutenberg 400 years later. This marks the beginning of the dynamic confluence between technology and art. Mechanization, particularly the assembly line that Henry Ford invented in the early 1900s, gained favor in society thanks to the printing press, which made it possible for type to move. With the help of this innovative method, Ford was able to produce cars in large numbers at competitive prices—something that was previously only considered the privilege of the affluent. But this automation spread to the rest of America's industries, and it is believed to have marked the start of a decline in innovation and uniqueness.
Walter Benjamin discusses his thoughts on the detrimental impact industrialization and technology have had on art in his essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction." Artworks are also capable of being created in large numbers, much like vehicles. Benjamin contends that repeatedly reproduced art ruins the tradition of uniqueness in art and distances the viewer from the feel of the original work. Compared to, say, an original painting, films are a relatively recent art medium, and as such, their quality is simpler to replicate for a wider audience. While Benjamin acknowledges that cinema still has elements of art, he challenges the audience's involvement with a film as opposed to a painting. Because they are mass manufactured, I think paintings and films are both of lower quality. Upon my recent visit to the National Geographic Art Studio located in Laguna Beach, I was able to personally see the astounding quality of the images. Just like the individuality of a picture is lost when it is mass produced, these photos would undoubtedly lose their sharpness and clarity if they were reproduced as postcards or in magazines. Having said that, I have nothing against the reprinting of artistic works. The automation of art gives new artists easier access to classic, inspirational works and could persuade them to attend museums that include original artwork, which would increase support for the arts.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://erikexamines.substack.com/p/why-was-western-printing-superior&ved=2ahUKEwiwxLyWuc2FAxXp4skDHRfEArwQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0OLSMFZ3g9gg0J3zWLPyln.
Fascinating perspective on the intersection of technology and art! I particularly appreciate Walter Benjamin's thoughts on how mass reproduction might dilute the unique essence of artworks. It's intriguing to consider how the mechanization processes, started by the likes of the printing press and assembly lines, have shaped our current views on art and its accessibility. On one hand, mass production of art does democratize access to beauty and culture, allowing more people to experience what might otherwise be exclusive or unattainable. However, I do share the concern about the loss of an artwork’s “aura”—that special quality that makes an original piece so captivating.
ReplyDeleteHere's a question: do you think there are modern technologies or methods that can help preserve the uniqueness and aura of art while still making it widely accessible? For example, could digital art exhibitions or augmented reality experiences offer a balance between accessibility and maintaining the integrity of the original work?
Hi, Grant! First of all, thank you for sharing your opinion. Your analysis is very interesting and presents a new perspective. The argument that the convergence of art and technology began with the printing press was very entertaining to me. I felt that both printing and automobile could be art, but as it mass-produced commercially, it became mechanized and lost its artistry. Just like Benjamin. Like your opinion, mass-produced might disappear its charm, but I felt that actively utilizing it, like Andy Warhol, could also be a new perspective of art. I think the beginning of new art should be welcomed. Reading your writing made me more clear on my thoughts. It was an honor to be able to evaluate your writing.
ReplyDeleteWhat. great blog you did for this week Grant, I really enjoyed reading it. I love how you really went for your perspective and gave such an interesting analysis of what you believe. I also discussed all about Henry Ford and the assembly line in my blog so I can relate quite a bit to what you had to say for this week. Overall, great job this week grant!
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