On Post-Authenticity
Post-authenticity is best described as the cultural trend of utilizing cost-effective design and materials in order to create something that appears to be, or simulates the authentic. For example, if you want to build a stone house, you have two theoretical options. You can go the authentic route, hire masons, and build a traditional stone house—or you can purchase relatively cheap concrete siding that mimics stone, where proper installation can be achieved by anyone proficient with a chalk line, nail gun, and brick saw. In this case, the concrete “stone” is a post-authentic material.
Post-authenticity differentiates itself from pure simulation in its cultural specificity. Simulation is described as a false or fake reproduction of the essential features of something—where as the post-authentic is a reproduction or simulation that is specifically driven by cost efficiency and availability—especially within the context of making a product more widely available to a middle class demographic.
