Sister Wendy - Art Changes but Does Not Improve - Essay Example

In a short paragraph explain: Do you agree with Berger that women, unlike men, are continually watching themselves being watched by others and making adjustments based on how they perceive that others see them?

I think that Berger is right that many women watch themselves being watched by others and make adjustments in what can be seen because of the perceptions of others about them. Women do this because, as Berger correctly said, women are raised to become “women” according to how the public sees them, specifically, how men want to see them. As a result, many women want to be beautiful because this is what society says should be their primary goal in life- to be attractive so that they can be seen and be rewarded by men’s ownership of women.

Third, what do you think Berger means when he says that "Nudity is a form of dress?" Here are some paintings of nudes, some of which he discusses in the book and some others that he does not discuss. As you look at these paintings, do you find yourself agreeing or disagreeing with him about the culture of nudity in Western civilization? ( the pictures that were mentioned above will be uploaded) again provide a short paragraph, please.

Nudity is a form of dress because it is a dress that men want to put on women, the dress of passivity and submission to male sexual desire. I agree with Berger that the culture of nudity in Western civilization is a process of telling women how they should act when they are seen by men. Nudity is not about women’s expression of their identities, including their sexuality. Nudity, as Berger shows, is a submission to men and their desires. Nude paintings are then in “languid” poses that are not about women actively showing their identity and sexuality, but about women who are “available” to pleasure men. Nudity is about the culture of men who want to control women, not only sexually, but socially.

Finally, in a very short paragraph indicate: What gives art value? You and Berger may not have the same opinion. What is his? What is yours?

Berger believes that art is valuable when it is original or unique. I believe that what gives art value is that it represents something, such as the perspective of the artist about the world he lives in, or the real conditions and emotions of people or individuals. Art should say something about the culture or society of its time, whether individually, or for certain groups or people. Art is valuable if it conveys hidden or unhidden meanings about human thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Read More