Triangulation

Task One 

In his book 'Ways of Seeing', art critic John Berger states that contemporary viewers experience art in a manner drastically different to that of past generations. Through endless reproductions in the likes of magazines and books, and in their attainability as posters, prints and so forth, works of art have become available to all. "What this means, in theory," states Berger, "is that reproductions of works of art can be used, by anybody, for their own purposes" (Sinclair, 2012). 

Berger discusses the portrayal of both men and women within art. He suggests that women are frequently depicted in an overly sexual manner, so as to please the male viewer. Additionally, he recognises the recurring motif of the mirror to be a reminder of a women's vanity. For Professor Teal Triggs "Berger presents a framework involving the 'surveyor' and the 'surveyed', as one way we might understand sexuality and the female body, her 'presence' and sense of herself, personal relationships and who is actually doing the looking" (Sinclair, 2012). Men, on the other hand, are often portrayed in an overtly masculine manner. 

Berger articulates that the large majority of our thoughts and opinions are influenced by the media, family and friends. He also suggests that the image, more often than not, is affected by the photographers intent. Finally, Berger feels that nowadays artwork is rarely purchased for it's aesthetic qualities and is instead bought for its current value or with its potential future value in mind. 

Sinclair, M, 2012. When Looking Became Seeing. Creative Review, The Annual Issue, 28-32.


Notes from the session