The effect of mechanical reproduction on art has been an issue for artists since the 1930’s when cultural theorist Walter Benjamin raised the spectre of the original ‘aura’ of a hand crafted work of art versus its reproduction. Technology continues to irreversibly change our perception of what art is and has created a critical juncture where there is no longer a theoretical distinction between the original and its reproduction or between authenticity and appropriation. This is where we find the work of Sam Tupou.
For more information: https://northsite.org.au/look-back/