Originally an essay/book by John Berger, “Ways of Seeing” was produced by the BBC in 1972. Similar to Marshall McLuhan’s approach, Berger’s stress is on the analysis of art in context of its history and cutlural values. He argues that it is impossible to separate even a still life from the values of its time and place. This is almost a definition of Post-Modern values and world view as applied to art. And although I am of very different political beliefs (he is an unapologetic marxist/humanist) I can’t help but admit that he has a very well put and thoroughly thought argument pertaining to the way we speak or mis-speak about reality, from observation, to shared experience. I also find his observations about the nature of objectification (most specifically in Episode 2-part 5-The Female Nude) particularly interesting. Although I assume that our ideas as to “why” diverge greatly due to his Marxist beliefs.
A good majority of this is most valuable when you have the time to really watch it. Its not nearly as enlightening listening to it while at work for instance, because so much of the program is about visual analysis. The book is ok, but the video was really excellent. A good example of one medium being better suited than another. If only contemporary free-market television produced such quality programming. Here’s looking to you, future “webtv.” I still believe its possible.
Posted by Handselecta on April 05, 2009 at 12:17 PM
