Essay sample

With an authentic painting the true meaning can be portrayed effectively, giving viewers the correct perception and assumption. While reproductions have caused lots of issues, art can be experienced by more people because of them. Now, reproductions are placed on postcards, books, televisions, and posters. Since art is easy to get, popular works are being used for other purposes such as advertisements, and different products to draw customer’s attention. The ways in which art is perceived has changed dramatically over time due to social changes and improved technology. The location of a painting can change the way a person perceives it as well. When there was only one painting the viewer would have to travel to the painting. Along with the painting the viewer would observe all the surroundings around the artwork. The paintings surroundings can have a meaning, almost like pictures in a church. Pictures in a church represent the gospel and what is being preached. Each one has a specific meaning and help people understand the gospel. Then imagine the same picture on a television screen in someone’s house. The mood acquired would be completely different and might present a different meaning. Now that people view art in many different places it is perceived it in a different way because of the environment it is in. Berger’s “ Ways of Seeing” gives us a different analysis of how we look at artwork. One artwork can have many different perspectives and assumptions. His description evaluates the way perspective affects our views and interpretations of artwork. Assumptions have affected how we view art.

The assumptions of artwork from the past influence the view of present artworks resulting in mysticism. The invention of the camera caused a definite change in how artwork is viewed in today’s society. Images are now reproduced which causes the image to not be so unique, and this often affects our perception and interpretation. With this being said, the image producer’s vision can be affected as well. In conclusion Berger’s “ Ways of Seeing” gives an interesting viewpoint and analysis of how individuals perceive, interpret, and react to artwork.