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Ways of Seeing
176 pages, 1990
John Berger, a British writer, and art critic, published Ways of Seeing in 1972. The book, based on the BBC television series about which a Sunday Times critic commented, "He will almost certainly change the way you look at pictures," changed how people looked at paintings by deconstructing the mystification of professional art critics. It opened up general attention to areas of cultural study that are now commonplace.
John Berger encourages us to explore the power of images. He argues that images can shape our perceptions and understanding of the world. So, next time you see an image, don't just look at it, dig deeper into its meaning and context.
Berger takes a look at the relationship between art and society. He suggests that art is not just a form of expression, but also a reflection of the society in which it was created. This gives us a new perspective to understand and appreciate art.
In Ways of Seeing, Berger discusses the influence of advertising on our lives. He points out that advertisements often manipulate our desires and aspirations. So, it's important to be aware of this and critically analyze the messages we receive from ads.
Berger explores the portrayal of women in art. He argues that women have often been objectified in art, reflecting the gender inequalities in society. This insight can help us see art, and perhaps even the world, in a different light.
He also researches how the reproduction of art affects its value and meaning. In the age of digital reproduction, this is a particularly relevant topic. So, next time you find a piece of art online, think about how its reproduction might have changed your perception of it.
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Berger's 'Ways of Seeing' is a revelation, a way to challenge and change how we perceive art and the world around us.
Susan Sontag - Writer, Filmmaker, ActivistJohn Berger's 'Ways of Seeing' is a profound critique of our visual culture, a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of art and its role in society.
Peter Conrad - Academic, Writer, CriticBerger's 'Ways of Seeing' is a transformative work, a book that has the power to change the way we understand visual culture and the world.
Zadie Smith - Novelist, Essayist, Short-story writerRecommendations
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