Sunday 6 December 2009

Way of seeing by John Berger

Seeing comes before words. It is seeing which establishes our place in the surrounding world; we explain that world with words, but words can never undo the fact tht we are surrounded by it. The relation between what we see and what we know is never settled.


Soon after we can see, we are aware we can be seen. This reciprocoal nature of vision lead us to develop the dialogue and images.


An image embodies the way of seeing our perception depends upon our own way of seeing. Images increases the awareness of history. The more imagination the work, the more profoundly it allows us to share the artist's expereince of the visible. However, the image of art, often mystify rather than clarify.

Mystification: process of explaining away what might otherwise be evident.


For example in Frans Hals's painting, the Frans Hals portray the Governors and the Governesses of an Alms House for old paupers in the dutch seventeenth century city of Harrlem. A confrontation occurs.


For: His works is in spirit of bitterness, not criticism. His painting suggests each woman are equal important. Evidence are shown from the rhythmical arrangement and subdued diagonal pattern fomed by their head.

He also suggests it is a fashion to portray the Regent with hat on the side of the head. It is libel to say he portrays the Regent in drunken state.


Against: " We can see from the Regent in the tipped slouch hat, which hardly cover any of his hair, eyes not focus, suggest he is in the drunken state."

As a matter of fact, Hals lost his reputation.


"Hals unwavering commitment to his personal vision, which enriches our consciousness of our fellow men and heighten our awe for the ever increasing power of the mighty impulses that enabled him to give as a close view of his life's vital force."


This is a mystification.





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