THE WORK OF ART OF MECHANICAL REPRODUCTION AGE
The article mainly discussed the difference between the copy and the original work of art. Some people hold the view that the copy lost the context and the uniqueness of the original work. For example, sculptures in Greece were worshipped as gods at that time, but they might be regarded as ominous things in the middle ages. Then when we see it in the museum in the 21st century, it breaks away from the context of history and becomes the witness of aesthetics and sculpture art in ancient Greece.
But the reproductions also has their own advantages.They can reach a wider audience and more places. The development of reproductions undoubtedly promote the spread of knowledge. Imagine that if there were no printed copies, we would have no textbooks to learn about Van Gogh’s life and paintings.
For example, many of the works in the sculpture courtyard of Victoria and Albert Museum, including the statue of David, are replicas with smaller scales and lower qualities. However, just because of this, visitors can enjoy the collection of works of different artists in different periods and contexts in one courtyard, which is much more convenient for comparison and research.
Indeed, the original work of art preserves the traces of time. But it is not a commendable act to forcibly strip the context of an art work in pursuit of authenticity, For example, the stone statue of Easter Island in the British Museum is just an ornament that passers-by glance at in the corridor, but it makes more historical sense on its own island.
It also discusses the difference of artistic value between photography and traditional painting. Photographers are like surgeons, rational analysis of reality, painting is more like a magician bring the beauty to the audiences. Although in today’s environment, people have long stopped discussing whether photography or film is considered a form of art. Even computer games are known as the ninth art.
Recently, an artwork of Banksy was burned in a live show after being electronized and stored in NFT. I think with the development of science and technology, the reproduction of works of art is an inevitable result, and will no longer adhere to the uniqueness of works of art. The original is not irreplaceable, and the yearning for the original has gradually become a kind of feelings and pilgrimage.