John Berger's 'Ways of Seeing' Revisited: A BBC TV Series on Visual Culture
John Berger's 1972 BBC television series 'Ways of Seeing' remains a foundational critique of Western visual culture. Written by Berger (1926-2017) with producer Mike Dibb, the four 30-minute episodes examine how photography changed our relationship with art and how images carry political and ideological messages. The series, later adapted into a book, is considered prophetic in today's era of universal image manipulation and remix. Art historian and curator Valentina Tanni reflects on its enduring relevance.
Key facts
- John Berger wrote 'Ways of Seeing' with producer Mike Dibb
- The series consists of four 30-minute episodes
- It critiques Western visual culture
- The program was broadcast on BBC television in 1972
- It was later published as a book
- Berger died in 2017
- Valentina Tanni wrote the article for Artribune
- The series addresses the impact of photographic reproduction on art
Entities
Artists
- John Berger
- Valentina Tanni
Institutions
- BBC
- Artribune
Locations
- United Kingdom