Review of John Berger’s Ways of Seeing John Berger’s Ways of Seeing is one of those rare books that completely changes the way you look at the world — quite literally. Originally published in 1972 alongside a BBC television series of the same name, it’s often considered a starting point for anyone interested in art, media, or visual culture. But even over 50 years later, it feels fresh and relevant — especially if you’re approaching it from a visual studies perspective. What makes Ways of Seeing so powerful is its ability to take complex ideas and make them accessible. Berger isn’t just talking about paintings or traditional “fine art.” He’s inviting us to think deeply about how we see — how images work, what they mean, and how they shape the way we understand the world around us. For students and scholars of visual studies, that’s exactly the kind of critical thinking the field is built on. One of Berger’s key arguments is that seeing isn’t just a passive act. We don’t just open ...