Week 3 Apply and Reflect

 In the article  "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" by Walter Benjamin, the text describes art as something that has to potential to carry an aura, that cannot translate into other mediums. The best example of an aura that cannot be appreciated in reproduced, is video games. Sure the art looks incredible, yet what about when it moves or the finer pieces of the puzzle such as how the game plays and functions? Many may cite the 3D models as examples of how art cannot be view from a photo, but in the case of a video game, it goes much deeper than that. For example, the following image was taken from the game Okami, specifically the PS3 release in 2012

Okami HD screenshots - Gematsu
(2012), Okami, (Version 2), PS3
The image on its own imitates the sumi art often found in Japan. Though the art itself is pleasing to look at, one only gets a small piece of the picture as the games focus is on creating art. Drawing using the controller isn't an aspect you could get from looking at an image. However, unlike many 3D art pieces that require the viewer to pay hundreds of dollars to view, games are relatively cheap. Paying the cost for a decent computer runs around 300$ and another 60$ for the game that could provide hours of interest. In fact, some people have methods to play games on devices they already own, such as a phone, though these are often shorter than what is offered on a PC or console. Though certain games offer short samples of their content, known as demos that are free to experience. While not the same adventure as the full game, they are interesting cost effective ways to provide people with a piece so they can judge if the full thing is worth the price. Do you think that a similar experience can be carried over to other art forms or has it been already? For example, a ceramic sculpture made into 3D may provide a better view of the details one would not get looking at images of the piece and could allow museums to return pieces to their rightful owners, as they have a way to experience the art, albeit in a different form. While the pieces aura may not be able to be reproduced exactly, its worth to others can be returned.

Comments

  1. Jamie TorrezSeptember 13, 2020 at 12:26 PM

    Hi Nathan!

    In your post you state, “The best example of an aura that cannot be appreciated in reproduced, is video games.” I find this to be unclear, as it seems that your writing goes on to talk about how the experience is different from other media, yet it is highly accessible through PCs, consoles, and phones. I do really enjoy the point you bring up about video games creating a unique experience, though. I find they tend to be overlooked despite their popularity. Do you believe the mass production of video games diminishes the value of the artwork within?

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  2. CelesteSeptember 13, 2020 at 8:57 PM

    Hey Nathan, I really like how you used video games as an example of expressing aura. I personally would not have thought of that but I do agree with you. I never heard of this game but I can see that it expresses a lot of creativity as it references Japanese art styles but also with its own twist. This does seems like a beautiful and interesting game and I find it intriguing on what it is trying to achieve as a video game.

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