Katja Lang - An Analysis of John Berger’s Ways of Seeing

An Analysis of

John Bergers

Ways of Seeing

Katja Lang
with
Emmanouil Kalkanis

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ISBN 978-1-912303-93-9 (hardback)

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The information in this book is designed to orientate readers of the work under analysis, to elucidate and contextualise its key ideas and themes, and to aid in the development of critical thinking skills. It is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, as a substitute for original thinking or in place of original writing or research. References and notes are provided for informational purposes and their presence does not constitute endorsement of the information or opinions therein. This book is presented solely for educational purposes. It is sold on the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to provide any scholarly advice. The publisher has made every effort to ensure that this book is accurate and up-to-date, but makes no warranties or representations with regard to the completeness or reliability of the information it contains. The information and the opinions provided herein are not guaranteed or warranted to produce particular results and may not be suitable for students of every ability. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, damage or disruption arising from any errors or omissions, or from the use of this book, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained within.

CONTENTS

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CRITICAL THINKING AND WAYS OF SEEING

Primary critical thinking skill: ANALYSIS

Secondary critical thinking skill: CREATIVE THINKING

John Bergers 1972 book Ways of Seeing comprises seven essays (three of which are purely pictorial) about visual arts and the way we understand paintings. The book pushed boundaries, accusing academics and connoisseurs of mystifying art and making it accessible only to an elite minority instead of the general public. Bergers view was that artworks could be made accessible to everyone, educated or not, by exploring the language of art and the social context within which an artwork was created.

To make his case, Berger created and constructed new contexts for understanding and interacting with works of art. His work gains much of its impact from the strength and coherence of his arguments, a product of his exceptional ability to set out a persuasive case in which each part of the argument has a precise, delineated function. Bergers arguments are detailed and complete. He deals with counter-arguments and counter-claims, draws clear distinctions between arguments and explanations, and arranges his case in an effective sequence.

Using direct observation of masterworks, combined with his analysis of contemporary visual culture and critical exploration of works of fine art that have been considered significant, Bergers work can also be seen as a delicate exercise in the critical thinking skill of creative thinking. Indeed, understanding Bergers methods of analysis means you might never look at visual artsparticularly paintingsin the same way again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THE ORIGINAL WORK

Born in 1926, John Berger was one of the most influential art critics of his generation. Best known for his 1972 BBC television series Ways of Seeing, he was enormously prolific throughout his life, but his print companion to the four half-hour programs is still regarded one of the best introductions to visual culture and how to think critically about art.