Practices of looking an introduction to visual culture is a comprehensive overview that explores the visual culture and why we use images as a means of expression and communication. It is written by Marita Sturken a Professor at the Annenberg school of communication and Lisa Cartwright an associate professor of English and of visual and cultural studies. The book I purchased is one of the older versions. “Images has never been merely illustrations they carry important content”(1) The book explores the idea behind the meaning given to an image. When we analyse an image it is influenced by our own thoughts and ideas. The way we interpret the meaning behind something is influenced by our beliefs. John Berger way s of seeing writes about how we see things is affected by what we believe and the way we look at something is a choice. “We never look at just one thing, we are always looking at the relation between things and our selves”.(2) Therefore the interpretation of an image is an analysis of our own ideas such as desire, sexuality, power and cultural backgrounds. “To see is the process of observing and recognising the world around us. To look is actively making meaning of that world”(1) Practice of looking highlights the importance of the visual image, introducing us to many different theories that may influence the meaning behind images such as the concept of representation, ideology and semiotics. It provides us with an in-depth explanation of these theories with visual examples.
References –
(1) J, Berger. Ways of seeing. Penguin books, 1972 (e-book).
(2) M, Sturken and Lisa Cartwright, Practice of looking an introduction to visual culture, 2001, Oxford University Press.
OCA Learning log: Identity and Place 