Theory of John Berger
John Berger, as an art critic, is an enigma; even within the same article written about him by the same author, it is not unusual for him to be categorized in two totally divergent designations. Keeping Berger's unique perspective in mind, this essay will specifically discuss Berger's commentary on the unknown art historian's assertions about a Hals painting. Additionally, the essay will comment on Berger's perception of this specific work of art.In a bold argument, Berger makes the point that the account of the Hals painting by the unknown art historian is a case of "mystification", w
Another key point in Berger's writing is the explanation of why it takes an expert to "see clearly". Berger's mindset seems to be that he knows that only contemporary, first hand observance of art leads to accurate and meaningful analysis, and that he believes that only pure vision of art is valid. This being the case, a logical explanation of Berger's mindset harkens back again to the issue of perspective; for example, if a work of art is viewed in its contemporary context, it will be more likely to be purely seen, whereas an art work viewed from the point of history will have a view influenced by history, which of course is a second hand view of a time, place and way of life. In closing, let it be understood that Berger can accurately not only objectively evaluate art, but his commentary also sheds light on the nuances of contemporary life and the retrospective view of history itself. Berger's account of that same painting is quite the opposite, in that he uses perception to assess and describe the painting- seeing what is "really there", and that perception may have been possible for the original critic who wrote about the Hals painting, but that the circumstances of that time made literal interpretation unacceptable for a variety of reasons. Berger also made the assertion that "The way we see things is affected by what we know or believe". Seeing clearly is, in the theory of Berger, the ability to reproduce the exact image of what one has seen, much as the camera does, and in the case of an art commentator or critic, to keep that mirror image firm in the mind when sharing thoughts and critiques with others. hich is to say the process of explaining away what might otherwise be evident.
Common topics in this essay:
Keeping Berger's,
John Berger,
hals painting,
berger's mindset,
art viewed,
unknown art,
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Acceptance Essays
