Joshua Sloan
Chase and Berger
9/19/12
Both Chase and Burger emphasize the importance of art and the ability manifested in it to convey meaning. While Berger primarily focuses on the viewer’s interpretation of the work of art, Chase concentrates on the artist’s intentions when painting the picture. Although their views vary in this way, it is clear that they both agree that art is open to interpretation, and that there is truly a skill in “seeing.”
Burger outlines the mechanics of deciphering a picture for all of its intended beauty. He believes that most people under-value art pieces due to their inability to see. Burger illustrates the importance of imagery by use of a very fundamental fact: before children are able to speak, their sole interpretation of the surrounding environment is purely through imagery. In Ways of Seeing, Berger dedicates several chapters to pictures without captions, which exemplifies the value of pictures and even equates them to words.
Chase differs from Berger slightly in giving the power of interpretation to the artist more than the viewer. He posits that a piece of art captures the emotions, the setting, and the beliefs of the artist. Although certain depictions may be contrary to popular belief – and even things accepted as fact – Chase believes this demonstrates the focus being the artist’s and not what is expected by the viewer.
By Chase and Berger writing extensive works depicting the potential beauty of art, my appreciation of art grew exponentially. I was previously under the ignorant impression (that I assume most people share) that art stops in the two-dimensional stage, and that there is nothing deeper. By employing certain techniques outlines in Ways of Seeing, even the inexperienced viewer – like myself- is able to appreciate art to a new degree. And, by Chase illustrating the different components that are captured in a work of art, it makes you truly delve into the piece of art until you find these components.
Although Berger and Chase have slightly varying opinions on the way to “see” art, they both agree that “seeing” art is an acquired and imperative skill. This skill of seeing is so essential for even the most basic viewers because without it you can only appreciate the partial beauty of a painting. By reading these works of both Berger and Chase, I no longer just view art, but truly “see” it for its intended value.
