Aura
The aura of art symbolizes the uniqueness of art which is not present in modern art. In the past, there were statues of gods which were only accessible to the priests and they were not exhibited to the masses but still they had a certain value. Benjamin says, "one may assume that what mattered was their existence, not their being on view." The exhibition of art has lost its aura and the modern art is accessible to everyone unlike the art in the past. The author says that "It is easier to exhibit a portrait bust that can be sent here and there than to exhibit the statue of a divinity that has its fixed place in the interior of a temple." The unique aesthetic quality which is symbolized by the aura is absent in modern art.
Art
Art is the most recurrent motif in the essay. The author has discussed various art forms and their qualities. The modern art has lost its cult qualities and is devoid of aura owing to its rapid mechanical production. Art is circulated in all parts of the world, so it has lost its fixed position in society and is available to masses. Art is being replicated by the artists and the sole purpose of creating art is to gain economic benefits. Art has lost its aesthetic appeal and it has lost the capacity of casting a spell over the spectator. However, modern art forms are being used as a propaganda or for manipulating the minds of masses. The author says that modern art has the capability of revolutionizing the society.
Statues
The statues of Mona Lisa, David, Venus symbolize old forms of art, which possessed a specific time and location and sacredness. However, the author has shown that the meaning associated with them is not dependent on their quality. The statue of Venus was an object of veneration for the Greeks while the clerics of the Middle Ages viewed it as an ominous idol. The statues were held in great esteem by the people and they were not displayed in exhibitions owing to their uniqueness. The priests used to adore them and they were a symbol of sacredness for the masses. There are many instances in history where the abolition of statues was considered as an attack on sanctity.
