Week 1 Question - How do we identify/locate/describe 'value' in works of art, particularly media art?

 The idea of 'value' in any piece of art is extremely subjective for each individual who indulges in this craft. This value may be in the work of art itself, a reproduction or not, by enjoying the work of art for what it is. It could also be in knowing that the one piece you have is the only piece in the world, the value being the authenticity of the piece. 

There are many different ways a viewer of art can deem the value of it. But, a more objective way of looking at it is the monetary value some artwork hold. The higher the price is a much more objective way of looking at the idea of more value. We see the highest priced artwork is in fact the authentic piece of work, the very first piece. This is due to the fact this original version is deemed to still withhold it's 'aura' and therefore it's true value. So one way to identify 'value' in a work of art is to identify whether it is the authentic piece of work and not a reproduction.

Of course that objective way of looking at it is the way someone like Walter Benjamin would approach this issue, but of course there are other ways of locating the value. The value may be located in the enjoyment of people viewing the piece of work at museums or art galleries. This value is determined through the viewers personal reaction to the piece whether it be a reproduction or not. If someone viewing the piece is moved by the art or affected by it, this could be deemed as valuable to the person in question.

There are mnay ways to identify or locate the value in artwork, the only issue is stating which on has more value compared to the other. Does an artwork that has a monetary value of £1 million pounds have more value than a reproduction of the same artwork that brings joy to a working class family at home? All we can do is identify that both hold value for different reasons.

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