Can Art Be Mechanically Reproduced? YES!

When something is reproduced for so many time is that art?

"The Scream"

Art has always been reproducible, not only in our technological age, but in early ages of mankind. Artifacts for example could always be duplicated by another man   When a photograph or painting is reproduced so many times it will always remain a genuine art as an original. The reproductions of that original art piece are not art themselves, but art in meaning and relevance to its original. If an original piece is reproduced for the purpose of alternation, the reproduced art are merely births of newer, modern art. Reproductions become art that have simply been re-designed to meet one’s vision of creativity. 

'The Scream" reproduced

What’s the importance of the mechanical reproducibility of the art?

The mechanical reproducibility of art is mostly important for the ability to educate and expose art to people all around the world. If mechanical reproducibility were non-existent no one would know what the Mona Lisa or Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” looked like, except for those who would have accessibility to the originals. Through this technological gift, we are able to educate people on the historic figures and beauty of art that has been created in history. 

What was the impact of mechanical reproducibility on society?

Mechanical reproducibility had a major impact on society. The biggest is on the film industry. It caused the formed ability to make several copies of an original film, and gave birth to film theatre as a result. This is why we are able to enjoy so many of our favorite Hollywood movies today. Ultimately, it plays a big role in ‘globalization’ and cultural influence in our world today.

 Is photography art or a contribution to the art? Is it just a tool used by artists?

Photography is most definitely an art and has the ability to be used as a tool.  As a photographer, I understand that the final outcome of the photograph you take is solely based on the steps you take that lead you to that one photo. There are so many elements involved such as, lighting, positioning, angles, focus, shutter speed, f/stop, and many more. It is not as simple as pointing and shooting. Each of these are altered by the photographer at hand and used together to snap a picture of art. As a tool, one can use a photograph he or she took as a ‘stencil’ in order to reproduce that photo onto a painted canvas. 

How and why Henry Pitch Robinson created Fading Away? What was the reason?

‘Fading Away’ was created in 1858 based on a method of combining 5 different negatives to create and intensify a distraught mood setting.  Henry wanted to create a heartrending, although realistic portrayal of a grieving family over a girl who was dying from tuberculosis: unheard of and frowned upon in photographs as opposed to paintings. The action in the photo was not based on a real event, but through people who were posing and acting for the photo.

 Photography has impacted the world of art and influenced some changes in the area of accessibility to art. If mechanical reproduction created revolution, what is happening now with the digitalization?

Digitalization is putting cameras in everyone’s hands, as it’s becoming more and more economically viable. We can all take pictures in the eyes of our favorite past or present photographers. Most importantly, digitalization has allowed us to manipulate photos in any way we want. Photoshop, light room, and other picture editing programs only make it easier for us. Manipulation is one way to look at it, but digitalization has helped us to enhance photos. 

Photo Enhancement