Ways of Seeing
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Ways of Seeing
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Ways of Seeing
Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak. But, there is also another sense in which seeing comes before words. It is seeing which establishes our place in the surrounding world. The relation between what we see and what we know is never settled. This is a book on art in various languages.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionBased on the groundbreaking BBC television series, Ways of Seeing by John Berger is an innovative and compelling examination of how we perceive visual art. Published as part of the celebrated Penguin on Design series in Penguin Modern Classics, this book delves into the intricate relationships between art, society, and individuals.
The opening premise, "Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak," sets the stage for Berger’s profound exploration. He argues that seeing is foundational to our understanding of the world around us; it precedes linguistic expression and remains the primary mode through which we engage with our surroundings. While words can describe our environment, they can never replace the direct experience of seeing.
Ways of Seeing is lauded as one of the most thought-provoking and influential texts on art. First published in 1972, Berger's eloquent narrative was inspired by the BBC television series of the same name. The Sunday Times critic praised it as "an eye-opener in more ways than one," noting how Berger’s perspective on viewing paintings can fundamentally alter the way one perceives visual artworks.
Berger’s analysis is not limited to technical aspects of art but extends to broader socio-political implications, challenging traditional notions and prompting readers to reconsider their preconceived notions. He discusses the power dynamics inherent in the act of seeing and how cultural context shapes our interpretation of visual imagery. With incisive commentary and accessible language, Berger makes art criticism approachable for a wide audience.
If Ways of Seeing sparks your interest, you might also enjoy Susan Sontag's On Photography, another insightful work available in Penguin Modern Classics. Both books offer profound reflections on visual culture and its impact on our understanding of the world.
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
View allBook Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Ways of Seeing by John Berger is praised for its insightful and thought-provoking exploration of visual culture. Reviewers appreciate its accessible prose and critical perspective on art and media. It's often noted for challenging conventional views on how we perceive and interpret images, making it a valuable read for both art enthusiasts and novices.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141035796
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 25 September 2008
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Illustration: Integrated illustrations throughout
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 13.0mm
Width: 110.0mm
Height: 180.0mm
Weight: 126g
Pages: 176
About the Author
John Peter Berger (born November 5th, 1926) is an art critic, painter and novelist.
Also by John Berger
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