Marxism: Benjamin (Lexicon)

Question 1

Aesthetics

Answer 1

In general– Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and appreciation of art, beauty and good taste

Benjamin argues that the unique aesthetic authority, or aura, is reduced in process of reproduction

Question 2

Reproduction

Answer 2

modern mechanical reproduction of art represents something new when compared with how art was reproduced throughout history

“Even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be.” (2)
“the quality of its presence is always depreciated” (3)

Question 3

Aura

Answer 3

uniqueness of something, such as a work of art

the aura withers in the age of mechanical reproduction
“the technique of reproduction detaches the reproduced object from the domain of tradition” (3)

the aura of natural objects “is the unique phenomenon of a distance, however close it may be” (4)

Question 4

Ritual

Answer 4

the earliest artworks originated in service of a ritual (4)

Question 5

Cult / exhibition value

Answer 5

“Works of art are received and valued on different planes. Two polar types stand out; with one, the accent is on the cult value; with the other, on the exhibition value of the work” (5)

the cult value demands that a work of art remain hidden
photography and film represent the displacement of cult value for exhibition value

Question 6

Montage

Answer 6

stage play vs. film
“In particular, lighting and its installation
require the presentation of an event that, on the screen, unfolds as a rapid and unified scene, in a sequence of separate shootings which may take hours at the studio; not to mention more obvious montage” (8)

Film has left the realm of “beautiful semblance”

Question 7

Distraction / concentration

Answer 7

"In the decline of middle-class society, contemplation became a school for
asocial behavior; it was countered by distraction as a variant of social conduct. Dadaistic activities actually assured a rather vehement distraction by making works of art the center of scandal. One requirement was foremost: to outrage the public." (12)
"the masses seek distraction whereas art demands concentration from the spectator" (13)

Distraction = absorbed by art
Concentration = absorb art

Question 8

Politics

Answer 8

art can also be based on politics:
“But the instant the criterion of authenticity ceases to be applicable to artistic production, the total function of art is reversed. Instead of being based on ritual, it begins to be based on another practice—politics” (6)