The Artistic Visionary: Exploring John Berger’s Perspective on Cataracts.
What happens when our eyesight is impaired?
This is a question I often ask myself when pollen, dust, dazzling light, cause me vision problems.
Our eyes are a wonderful, delicate and complex machine and we actually see according to our brains (see optical illusions), according to our passions (everyone sees what they like) or our talents (will a painter see different things than an engineer?).
We see a dessert and remember its smell or taste. We see an architecture and remember childhood or a love, we see an instrument and remember a melody we loved.
Seeing is more than just opening our eyes and looking at what is in front of us.
It is an orchestra of senses and cultural evocations.
So when there is a problem, we realize that what we see is not reality but one of many views of the world.
In this regard, there is a small book by John Berger illustrated by Selçuk Demirel, Cataracts, which is a valuable attempt to identify changes in vision after surgery and “visual rebirth”.
Berger is an English art critic but also a writer and painter who died in 2017 in France, while Demirel is a Turkish illustrator and writer who lives in Paris and contributes to Le Monde and the New York Times.
Berger underwent cataract removals a year apart in 2009 and 2010, and this experience transformed the way he looked.
“ … the surface of everything … is covered with a dew of light”.
Understanding Cataracts and Its Impact on Vision.
Cataracts are a common eye condition characterized by the clouding of the lens, which can significantly impair vision. This gradual process often goes unnoticed at first, as many individuals may attribute subtle changes in their vision to aging or fatigue. However, as cataracts develop, they can lead to more pronounced symptoms, such as blurred or distorted vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to glare. The visual world becomes increasingly obscured, colors may appear duller, and the clarity that once defined one’s perception of reality becomes a distant memory.
In the context of art and creativity, the experience of cataracts can be transformative. Artists often rely on their vision to observe, interpret, and recreate the world around them. When vision becomes compromised, it can lead to a shift in perspective, prompting an exploration of new forms and ideas. John Berger’s insights into the world of visual perception became increasingly nuanced as he encountered the cataracts. The interplay between clarity and distortion in vision became a focal point for his reflections, illustrating how limitations can inspire innovative approaches to artistic expression.
Moreover, the experience of cataracts is not merely a physical phenomenon; it embodies a larger metaphor for the complexities of perception. The act of seeing is not simply a mechanical function but is deeply intertwined with emotion, memory, and personal history. Berger’s exploration of these themes reveals that our understanding of art—and the way we perceive it—is inherently subjective. As his vision evolved, so too did his artistic vision, leading him to question traditional notions of representation and the very nature of reality itself. In this way, cataracts served not just as a hindrance but as a catalyst for deeper exploration and understanding.
Berger’s Unique Approach to Capturing the Artistic Experience of Cataracts.
John Berger’s artistic vision was deeply influenced by his experience with cataracts.
As his vision diminished, he began to explore the nuances of seeing through a lens of ambiguity and distortion. This new way of looking allowed him to challenge conventional artistic practices, as he sought to convey not only the beauty of the world but also the complexities and frustrations that arise when vision is compromised. Berger’s work became a testament to the idea that art can serve as a bridge between personal experience and universal truths.
Berger emphasized the emotional and psychological dimensions of vision. He described how cataracts transformed everyday experiences, turning mundane moments into profound reflections on existence. This shift in perspective illuminated the fragility of sight and how it shapes our understanding of reality. By embracing the limitations imposed by his condition, Berger was able to delve into the subjective nature of visual experience, creating art that resonated with others who faced similar challenges.
Additionally, Berger’s explorations of cataracts extended beyond mere observation; he sought to convey the emotional weight of visual impairment through his artistic practice. His works often featured blurred lines and softened colors, symbolizing the gradual loss of clarity and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. Through this approach, Berger was able to capture the essence of what it means to experience the world through a distorted lens. This transformation of the visual experience became a hallmark of his later work, as he sought to express the beauty and struggle of navigating a world that is no longer fully visible.
Comparing Berger’s Perspective on Cataracts with Other Artists and Thinkers.
John Berger’s perspective on cataracts offers a unique lens through which to compare the experiences of other artists and thinkers grappling with visual impairment or altered perception. For instance, renowned painter Claude Monet, who suffered from cataracts later in life, created works that reflected his changing vision. Monet’s later paintings, characterized by a blurred and impressionistic style, resonate with Berger’s explorations of distortion and ambiguity. Both artists used their experiences with visual impairment as a means of pushing the boundaries of their craft, illustrating the profound connection between personal experience and artistic expression.
Additionally, the perspectives of contemporary artists who explore themes of vision and perception in their work can be compared to Berger’s insights. Artists like Olafur Eliasson and Anish Kapoor engage with the sensory experience of viewing, often incorporating elements that challenge traditional notions of sight. Their practices resonate with Berger’s exploration of cataracts, highlighting the ways in which artists can use their experiences with vision to push the boundaries of artistic expression. This ongoing dialogue between artists serves to enrich our understanding of the complexities of perception and the transformative power of art.
Berger’s Contribution to Raising Awareness About Cataracts and Visual Impairment.
But back to Berge’s book, Cataracts.
On the left are Berger’s poetic texts, where he records happenings, sensations, and attempts to scientifically reconstruct what he is experiencing: “ I enjoy looking at an object by first closing my left eye, then my right. The two views are distinctly different. Define the difference(s).”
“ … with only the right eye everything looks worn, with only the left eye everything looks new.”
“ …light exists as a continuous eternal principle. Instead, darkness is not, as is often believed, a concluding act, but rather a prelude. That’s what my left eye, which is still struggling to make out the contours, tells me.”
On the right are Demirel’s poetic, dry, slight illustrations.
One can read the text first and then look at the illustration or the other way around.
Berger and Demirel travel together and individually I can change the order in the book without dropping the meaning.
Demirel plays with a supine figure for many pages.
It is the head that is the protagonist as a matter of course, but it is the eyes that draw our attention into a narrative of their own: the eyes are stage, window, mathematical game, contain scales, moons, ships, inventions, lamps, mouths, fish.
Then the head lifts in the last illustrations and the eyes, always the protagonists, explore the world and the light.
There is also a drawing by Berger. A pansy drawn before and after surgery. But I’ll leave you with the surprise.
In conclusion Berger says, “ Now that I have had both cataracts removed, what I see with my eyes resembles a dictionary that I can consult regarding the accuracy of things. About the thing itself, and also about its place among things.”
Berger’s eyes register constant surprises. But what is fascinating is the process by which he manages to analyze pre- and post-operative processes and the changes and improvements that result.
It is a very creative and even scientific method; it is a way to reinterpret the world through one’s eyes and an opportunity to rethink space through light.
The greater the light, the more visible the area observed.
The gaze becomes deeper, silhouetted toward a more distant horizon.
Space opens up, widens, and directions are amplified.
Even darkness becomes blacker and bluer.
Seeing better and more increases memory and sets aside forgetfulness; details are more important and present.
Everything finds its place again and yet seems new.
Demirel accompanies lightly and with a clear and clean stroke, all these timely yet poetic considerations.
A small book that I am sure will find a place in your heart.
One of Berger‘s key contributions lies in his ability to articulate the complexities of perception in a way that resonates with both artists and non-artists alike. By sharing his personal experiences with cataracts, he has opened up a dialogue about the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments.
This increased visibility has the potential to foster greater empathy and support for those navigating similar experiences, creating a more inclusive environment within both the art world and society at large.
Moreover, Berger‘s commitment to raising awareness extends to advocating for advancements in accessibility and support for individuals with visual impairments. His emphasis on the emotional dimensions of seeing highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of disability, one that acknowledges the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals. By advocating for a broader conversation about visual impairment, Berger has made significant strides in transforming societal perceptions, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive future.
The Lasting Legacy of John Berger’s Artistic Vision and His Exploration of Cataracts.
In the landscape of art criticism and creative expression, John Berger’s exploration of cataracts has left an indelible mark. His unique perspective on vision, shaped by his own experiences with visual impairment, has challenged conventional notions of perception and representation. By embracing the complexities of sight, Berger has opened up new avenues for understanding the interplay between art and the human experience, revealing the profound connection between personal narrative and artistic expression.
Berger’s contributions extend beyond the realm of art; they have fostered a greater awareness of visual impairment and its impact on individuals’ lives. Through his writings and artistic practice, he has encouraged a dialogue about the emotional and psychological dimensions of seeing, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive understanding of disability. This legacy continues to resonate within contemporary art and literature, as new generations of creators draw inspiration from his insights.
As we reflect on Berger’s artistic vision and his exploration of cataracts, we are reminded of the transformative power of limitations. Rather than being defined by his condition, Berger used it as a catalyst for deeper exploration and understanding, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape.
