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Allure of Aura
2024
‘Allure of Aura’ reflects my exploration of authenticity, expression, and the concept of aura. Inspired by Walter Benjamin’s theory that original artworks carry a unique essence, this book delves into how artistic expression is transformed in the digital age. Through the perspectives of four individuals—Walter Benjamin, Andy Warhol, Haruki Murakami, and myself as
a graphic designer—the book examines the elusive concept of aura. It encourages readers to reflect on the evolving role of reproduction and the intangible aura that defines art, while embracing the enigmatic beauty of the creative process and discovering the unique aura within each of us.
Allure of Aura
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[Illustrations]
In Walter Benjamin’s essay called “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” Benjamin had this idea about the "aura" of an original piece of art.
He thought it was this special feeling you get when you see the real thing, like a painting or sculpture, that's been around for a long time. He said this aura comes from the uniqueness and history of the original work. However, Benjamin argues that in the age of mechanical reproduction, such as photography and film, the aura of the original work of art is diminished or even lost. This is because reproduced artworks lack the original's tangible qualities and unique historical context, leading to a sense of detachment and loss of aura. From Benjamin's perspective, the aura is closely linked to notions of authenticity and authority. So, according to Benjamin, the aura is what makes the original artwork special and valuable, but it's something that's hard to maintain in a world where things can be copied so easily. Overall, Benjamin's perspective on aura highlights the importance of authenticity, uniqueness, and historical context in shaping our perception of works of art. His theory has had a profound impact on discussions surrounding the value and significance of art in an age of mass reproduction and digital media.
1. Walter Benjamin's Theory of Aura
[Included Texts]
"Some company recently was interested in buying my 'aura,' they didn't want my product."
2. Andy Warhol's Quote
Haruki Murakami, a Japanese author, despite facing challenges in writing English, transformed this weakness into a strength by developing a uniquely clear, simple, and fluent writing style. His writing is effortlessly readable and inviting. Murakami crafts his initial drafts in English before translating them into Japanese, aiming for what he describes as "an unadorned 'neutral' style" that grants him greater creative freedom. In his own words, Murakami reflects on his early struggles:
“My vocabulary was severely limited, as was my command of English syntax. I could write in short, simple sentences. Which meant that, however complex and numerous the thoughts running around in my head, I couldn’t even attempt to set them down as they came to me. The language had to be simple, my ideas expressed in an easy-to-understand way, the descriptions stripped of all extraneous fat, the form made compact, and everything arranged to fit a container of limited size.”
3. Talking about Haruki Murakami
What about me as a graphic designer? Inspired by Walter Benjamin’s theory of aura, which got me thinking about how this intangible essence intertwines with the tangible world of art and expression. In the world of art, every brushstroke, every color choice, every composition tells a story – not just of the subject matter, but of the artist themselves. It’s in these intricacies that we find the essence of a person’s aura, a unique blend of interests, design styles, characteristics, and experiences that combine to create something truly special. When you look at this book I designed, You’re experiencing my aura – a reflection of my innermost thoughts, emotions, and inspirations. The typefaces, colors, illustrations, and layout that I used in making this book all speak to my style. My unique style naturally seeps into my work, showcasing my aura. It’s the way I express myself through my art, the subtle nuances that reveal who I am and what I stand for.
4. Connect It to My Own Aura as a Graphic Designer
