Weekly Selfie

 

From Innocence To Experience

                                                                     

                                                                Mirzoeff, How to See the World, Chapter 5

Q1. “These are the places from which we have to see the world today and where we learn how to see. “Pg.161

This quote underscores the significance of our individual perspectives and experiences as the lenses through which we perceive the world. The phrase "these places" likely refers to the unique circumstances, environments, and communities that shape our understanding of the world. These could include our upbringing, education, cultural surroundings, and personal encounters. In essence, the quote suggests that our vantage points are pivotal in influencing how we interpret and engage with the complexities of the world around us.

The importance of recognizing these places as the sources of our worldview lies in the profound impact they have on our attitudes, beliefs, and values. Our perspectives are not arbitrary; they are intricately woven into the fabric of our experiences. By acknowledging the role of these places, we gain insight into the roots of our biases, prejudices, and assumptions. This self-awareness is crucial for fostering empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness as we navigate an increasingly interconnected global society.

Moreover, the quote encourages a continuous process of learning and growth. "Where we learn how to see" implies an ongoing journey of expanding our perspectives and refining our understanding of the world. By embracing diverse perspectives and seeking to understand the experiences of others, we can broaden our worldview and contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious global community. In essence, the quote prompts us to reflect on the origins of our perspectives while emphasizing the dynamic nature of personal growth and learning in shaping how we perceive the world.

  

Q2. “She presents us, as intended, with little to look at so that she can claim the right to look herself. There were numerous women artists who painted and drew their lives in the modern city” Pg.167

This quote encapsulates the notion of agency and self-representation for women artists, highlighting the deliberate choice of presenting minimal visual elements in their works. The phrase "little to look at" suggests a deliberate simplicity or a restrained visual composition, prompting viewers to focus on the artist's perspective rather than being captivated solely by external aesthetics. By doing so, the artist claims the right to be the primary observer of her own experiences and expressions.

The importance of this quote lies in its emphasis on women artists reclaiming their narrative and asserting their presence in the artistic landscape. Historically, women's contributions to art have often been overshadowed or marginalized. The act of presenting "little to look at" can be seen as a strategic move to redirect attention away from societal expectations of female representation and aesthetics. In turn, this empowers women artists to control the narrative of their own lives and experiences within the modern cityscape.

Furthermore, the reference to "numerous women artists" engaging with the portrayal of their lives in the modern city underscores a collective effort to challenge traditional artistic conventions. It signals a broader movement where women artists actively participated in documenting and interpreting their urban experiences. The quote invites contemplation on the importance of diverse perspectives in art, urging recognition of the multiplicity of voices and stories within the broader cultural context. It contributes to a reevaluation of art history by acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of women artists who, despite facing historical challenges, found ways to express their creativity and agency.  

                                                                 John Berger ,Ch 7 Way’s of seeing 

Q1. “No other form of society has witnessed such a density of visual messages; the publicity image belongs to the moment, stimulating the imagination briefly through memory or expectation."

This quote essentially means that in our current society, we are surrounded by an overwhelming number of images, especially those used for advertising or promotion. It's emphasizing that this level of visual bombardment is unprecedented when compared to societies in the past. The "publicity image belongs to the moment" part suggests that these images are designed to capture our attention in the present, aiming to briefly spark our imagination either by triggering memories or creating expectations for the future.

Q2. “Publicity is, in essence, nostalgic. It has to sell the Past to the future.”   

  This quote is saying that when you see advertisements or promotions, they often use elements from the past to create a feeling of nostalgia. In simpler terms, they sell you a sense of familiarity with things that remind you of earlier times. The quote emphasizes that publicity, like ads or marketing, is trying to connect what happened before (the past) with what they want you to buy or believe in (the future).

When ads make you feel nostalgic, it's like they're trying to sell you not just a product but also a warm and fuzzy feeling associated with memories. It's a clever way to make you feel more comfortable or positive about what they are promoting. So, next time you see an ad playing on your memories or showing things that feel familiar, you can recognize that they're using nostalgia to get you interested in whatever they're selling or saying.