the past shapes modern day art, and makes connections between past art and how it can situate us

in history. The writings of Berger were challenging, demanding, and troubling. After reviewing

the essay, I realized that there are controversial parts to this essay in which I did not see my first

time reading it. I have come up with two controversial sections, and one extremely confusing

statement, in which I will do my best to explain.

One segment I would like to focus on is Berger’s statement: “When we “see” a landscape,

we situate ourselves in it. If we “saw” the art of the past, we would situate ourselves in history.

When we are prevented from seeing it, we are being deprived of the history which belongs to

us”(108), and “When the camera reproduces a painting, it destroys the uniqueness of its image.

As a result its meaning changes”(115). My argument is that if there is only one original painting

hand, if there is only one original, then how can everybody possibly be able to see the

If the sole value is in the original, then why would anyone want to see a copy? But on the other

frowning. But, at least, a wide variety of people have seen this work of art and have gotten to

that the artist put into it that along with the background, setting, frame of mind, perspective, and

it gives people a chance to share and see the history that “belongs to us.” The bottom line is that

Some topics in this essay:
Art Berger, original painting, art past, , people chance, situate ourselves, makes connections, people world,