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| What's even unique anymore if practically anyone can buy it? Is anyone's style truly original and special? http://www.allthingstarget.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Screen-Shot-2013-10-13-at-10.54.47-PM.png |
This week's topic clearly demonstrates the positive and negative impact of the development of technology on art. Mass production has allowed art to permeate every aspect of society despite its history of being only being accessible to the elite. At the same time, however, mass production has also led art to lose its creative and unique characteristics. As Walter Benjamin argues in his essay, "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Production," mechanically reproducing the same artwork can cause it to lose its original spark, for "even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be." Operating under a context that values individualism and originality, is it even possible to develop one's own style without being a copy-cat given the mass production of art?
This week's topic also demonstrates the impact of art on technology, especially in the field of robotics. In the media, robots and cyborgs are not only characterized as more intelligent, but also as more aesthetically pleasing. We see this in Japanese society, where robots/cyborgs have sleek designs to help them be human's next best companion. In Western society, however, we still see the recurrent theme of mistrusting technology even though we grow increasingly dependent on it. Thus, Western media portrays robots/cyborgs' increasing intelligence and aesthetically appearance as our downfall, for they can use it to deceive and/or annihilate humanity.
We displaced horses from their roles in society. Will robots do the same to us?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU
The development of robotics brings us to an interesting topic about the future of humanity. As discussed earlier, we are very dependent on technology (e.g., unable to leave home without your phone, social media to stay connected with others, etc.), and robots are becoming increasingly useful in our society. We see this in everyday life, such as the decease in blue-collar jobs, self-driving cars, and self-checkout stands at supermarkets. Thus, as our society strives for efficiency and continues to rely on automation, it is very possible humanity will no longer have a place in any occupational role in society. Will this cause humanity to lead listless lives, or will automation allow humanity to finally pursue hobbies they would otherwise not have time for (i.e., artistic pursuits)? Only time will tell, and I wonder if I will be alive to see this reality manifest.
Sources
Benjamin, Walter. "The Work of Art in Age of Mechanical Reproduction." Marxists. Web.
Grey, C.G.P. "Humans Need Not Apply." Documentary. Web.
Kusahara, Machiko. "Robotics MachikoKusahara." Lecture. Web.
Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics pt. 1." Lecture. Web.
Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics pt. 2." Lecture. Web.
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I think you brought up a very good point about whether the fast progression of technology today does more good than bad. Mass production certainly means that a lot of goods and services that were available only to the elite class are now accessible by lower classes as well. However, it also means that a lot of works, especially art works, have lost their originality and uniqueness. The other point that you mentioned, about how people are heavily relied on social media that they start to neglect the importance of in-person communications is also very vital. Technology is very essential in today's life. It brought and is still bringing some significant changes to our life, but in the meantime, we should always be aware not to loose the essential components of art and life.
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