Ways of Seeing Response

After watching, "Ways of Seeing" I find myself considering the way that I view images and the influences that may cause me to perceive them in certain way. It is interesting to think that we all interpret things differently based on our own unique experiences. I can't help but think now that none of us share the same exact story, so every single image that we see is interpreted differently. Perceptions might be similar, but never identical. What is even more interesting is that the painter had their own idea when painting or creating a piece. The way the painter saw it or meant for it to be seen may be completely different from the way viewers receive it. Being aware of these differences almost takes a little bit of the experience away, but also adds to it. I can now look at a picture let my initial reactions come, but then take a minute to think of how else the image can be interpreted. The possibilities are endless. This adds a new dimension to art for me.

The effects of music on images and how they are interpreted also struck me. This point could not be any closer to truth, yet it is so often overlooked. Music is such a subtle influencer that our opinion and perception can be shifted and we don't even realize it. This video may be a couple decades old, but this concept is still being utilized in advertisements, marketing, movies, and tv shows. The human mind is so open to influence and with the use of technology, it is becoming easier to manipulate viewers and consumers. It may sound dishonest or unethical, but art has many uses and taking advantage of its versatility is only right. In the video, they asked the question if this new system of art and viewing takes away from art or if it gives it more power. It may take away from the original meaning, but it definitely gives it the power to be able to touch more people and invoke new emotion. Keeping this in mind, I will be more aware of the way I view things, and they way I create art. My pieces can be interpreted in a multitude of ways and it is a good feeling to know that my art can touch people in ways that I had not even considered. My interest to create art is now increased due to fact that the reach is endless.