In the seminal essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction," Walter Benjamin pondered the transformative impact of mechanical means to replicate art, positing that the 'aura' —the unique presence of an artwork—diminishes with each reproduction. He also discussed Cult Value vs. Exhibition Value, a dichotomy that contrasts the traditional, ritualistic value of art (cult value) with the modern value placed on art's visibility and accessibility to the public (exhibition value).
Fast forward to an era where “art” is celebrated in the form of bananas 🍌 taped onto white canvases, and Bored Apes 🙈 NFTs drawn with the exquisite savoir-faire of a 5-year old 🧒 , and we find ourselves at the cusp of a new frontier, that challenges and expands Benjamin's theories in ways previously unimagined.
As a 3D printing artist, I'm at the crossroads of technology and creativity. the digital file becomes the 'original' from which infinite copies can be made. But there is a twist! Not only I can reproduce at will my own work, but anybody who gets his hand on the .stl file. And moreover, their control over filament choice and print settings means than anybody can potential reproduce and also modify / enhance my artwork in just a few clicks. What a time to be alive!
One of the most profound implications of 3D printing in art is its democratizing effect. In Benjamin's time, mechanical reproduction made art more accessible, yet the means of production remained largely in the hands of a few. Today, with 3D printing, not only can art be reproduced, but it can also be shared, modified, and reprinted by anyone with access to a 3D printer. This raises intriguing questions about authorship, ownership, and the very definition of originality.
Benjamin argued that reproduction diminishes the 'aura' of an artwork. However, 3D printing introduces a unique twist: each printed piece, while identical in design, carries with it the nuances of the printing process—slight variations that make each reproduction distinct. Does this reintroduce the concept of aura in a digital context? Or does the ability to endlessly replicate and modify a digital file further distance us from the notion of an original, authentic work?
This whole thing could create yet another collective approach to art-making not only blurs the lines between creator and audience but also fosters a dynamic art ecosystem where ideas evolve and proliferate in diverse and unexpected directions.
Until now, I have never made public any of my .stl… But I am thinking of doing it soon, as an experiment and a conversation starter. I’ll post about it again when I am ready.
Walter Benjamin's insights into the effects of mechanical reproduction on art remain profoundly relevant in the age of digital reproduction... And we havent’ even talked about AI yet! 😄 😄 😄
/imagine Walter Benjamin looking at a 3d-printing farm --ar 16:9
