more stuff from Walter Benjamine

c. "for the first time in world history, mechanical reproduction emancipates the work of art from is parasitical dependence on ritual". (Benjamin p 6)

this takes away the value of the authentic. . . or the need for the authentic, thus removing the aura (the connection with history and ritual that used to be important to art). It is now based on politics.

The work of art was made to exist for a specific purpose (not necessarily in order to be viewed), with mechanical reproduction the work's focus shifted to exhibition.

d. the internet, the jpeg