Ways of Seeing

 While reading Ways of Seeing by John Berger, one line stuck out to the most. Berger writes, "Today we see the art of the past as nobody saw it before. We actually perceive it in a different way" (pg. 16). I think this stood out most to me because it describes the way in which so many people perceive art. What I may think to be beautiful and peaceful, another may believe that it is a chaotic work that they do not find enjoyment in. I think that it is important, however to have these differences of opinions. It is because of these differences that we have so many different pieces of art. If we all enjoyed the same things, then these same things would be drawn over and over again. Some people like darker colors, while others enjoy lighter colors, while even other enjoy bright and fun colors. These opinions give way for so many pieces of art today. 

This statement that Berger wrote could also be taken as people viewing and piece of artwork and noticing different things about it. If it is a portrait of someone, one person may connect deeply with their flowing hair, while another person sees emotion in their eyes that connect to them. All of these views that people have about one painting, drawing, or sculpture, can relate to everyone on a deeper meaning. It is important that society does come up with their own ideas about art, too. Even though we are all looking at the same work, if we all agreed on what it was about, then there would be no further opinions that make someone unique. 

Another thing that stuck out at me while reading this article by Berger was in the very beginning when he discussed that we all see things first before we speak. This can be related back to when we are infants. No one is speaking real words when they are one day old. However, we are all looking around at our surroundings and the people who are around us. I think that we do the same with artwork, and if we don’t, we should begin to. Glancing quickly at a piece of work and telling exactly what it is about does not allow you to fully engage with it. When looking at anything, you should collect your thoughts after a few minutes and then speak about what you see and feel.