Both Berger in Ways of Seeing and Barnett in A Short Guide to Writing about Art conceptualize the viewing and understanding of paintings, and have informed me as to how to tackle analyzing art.
Berger discusses the idea of perspective, and how people interpret an art-piece in multiple ways. “The way we see things is affected by what we know or believe” (Berger 8). As a result of changing times, perspectives change. A black cat in a painting might be interpreted as a symbol of bad luck in medieval times, but as a symbol of feline grace in modern day. The painting itself is perceived in a different way. Also, when viewing art, one should focus on the painting as a single entity. From the museum room it is placed in to the caption beneath the painting, many things color the viewer’s perspective of a painting. Barnett argues how museums do not recreate the historical context of an art piece. “The object…is de-contextualized, or more accurately, but into a new context” (Barnett 30). A Native American headdress that is meant to be worn with a ceremonial robe in a sacred ritual does not invoke the same feelings when displayed in a glass case under harsh, fluorescent lights. The caption beneath a painting is information that was not intended to be given with the painting; it is excess information.
Both Berger and Barnett give “cautionary words” on reproductions of paintings. With the introduction of technology, it is rather easy to find reproductions of art pieces. However, these are always inherently lacking. Barnett discusses how reproductions lack the textures and overall depth of the original and tend to be viewed in smaller dimensions than the original, altering viewing of details and the very impression a painting gives. The emotions and ideas one would feel when standing in front of an original painting can be in stark contrast when looking at a reproduction. In addition, when a painting is reproduced, the uniqueness of the painting is lost. “…the uniqueness of the original now lies in it being the original of a reproduction” (Berger 21). Taken out of its original context, the painting loses much of its meaning.
Barnett and Berger stress the point that a painting is a sacred thing. It embodies not only the feelings of an artist, but an entire historical time period. When looking at paintings in the MOMA, I understand that it is important not only to understand the perspective from which the painting is being viewed, but to focus on the painting itself. I need to try and make sense of the art piece, by delving into its past observing the uniqueness of the original. I will take notes on the smallest of details and hold discussions with others in order to see differences in interpretations among viewers of the same piece.
