Walter Benjamin’s Aura in the Age of AI: A Contemporary Craft Perspective
What becomes of the “aura” of a work of art when both makers and machines can replicate endlessly? In this brief yet incisive essay, Dennis Stevens, Ed.D., a narrative philosopher, artist-educator, and founder of SEMPERGEIST and RedefiningCraft.com, revisits Walter Benjamin’s iconic theory through the lens of contemporary craft and generative AI.
Blending critical theory with the ethics of material practice, Stevens explores authorship, authenticity, and meaning in a culture increasingly shaped by digital reproduction. Written for artists, educators, and reflective practitioners, this piece invites fresh dialogue at the intersection of tradition, touch, and technology.
As published on Redefining Craft: Walter Benjamin’s Aura in the Age of AI: A Contemporary Craft Perspective
What’s Inside:
- 3-page research essay (PDF)
- A contemporary reading of Benjamin’s “aura” in the age of AI
- Useful in teaching, workshops, or discussions on media theory, ethics, and craft
With this purchase, you’ll receive a concise, three-page research essay that bridges Walter Benjamin’s theory of art, reproduction, and aura with contemporary craft and generative AI. Designed for both reflection and instruction, the document serves as a rich teaching resource—ideal for use in classrooms, discussion groups, or independent study. Whether you're exploring media theory, critical making, or the ethics of digital creativity, this short text offers a clear, thought-provoking entry point for dialogue around authenticity, authorship, and what it means to make in the age of machines.