Global Humanities n. 10 – Aura in the 21st Century  

Abstract

88 years have passed since the first publication of Walter Benjamin’s essay where he firstly proposed the notion of aura. Following the ongoing process of arti- fication of daily life, the problem of the uniqueness of the work of art, as identified by aura, continues to be inspiring for understanding and criticizing the social world. This issue of Global Humanities proposes the idea that the concept of aura may be considered as an effect of meaning which demands to be managed by social actors in the mediasphere. Such a move enlights the relevance of a proper struggle for “authenticity” to be pursued as an added value of daily life: How do social forces construct such an effect? How do they capitalize on it, in their activity? How does it get recognized and valued?