The Response to Benjamin

To be honest, Benjamin’s position confused me. I assume he means that the more advance we get technologically, the less significant art will become. If that is his position, i agree to a certain extent. Being a photographer that only uses analogue, i feel the decline in intimacy that art once had. But it is important to acknowledge what art once was and respect where it’s going. He also said the less social significance it has, the more it will be appreciated. Sadly, i do think that’s true. I don’t believe that’s something we should be content with but i do agree with that statement. I think people are prone to enjoy art that lacks social significance because people need outlets to escape. Personally, i believe fantasy is what people want but reality is what they need. But for some, admiring art is an outlet to escape what might be going on in the world. However, what about the artist? How are artists suppose to make art that satisfies them as well as the viewer? The answer is, you can’t. One can’t please both. So i feel as though if people want to art that lacks social depth, then they are contributing to the decline of art as a lifestyle and religion. To make something aesthetically pleasing is only a small percentage of what making art should consist of. I barely understand what art should be but i have an understanding that it has to come from a genuine place. Most artists can’t just make something pretty for the sake of looks. So i guess the conflict is, as artists should we shallow ourselves for the sake of everyone else’s approval? Or should we continue to speak out against whatever it is that is directly or indirectly affecting us through art? Art is a movement, the more we move towards a digital perspective, it will only  distract us from what’s actually going on but it doesn’t mean that people won’t respond to it from a social aspect. It’s just another form of compromise that I’m not willing to participate in.