Uses of Photography

Through the prism of photography, Berger’s writings explore the relationship between the individual and society, personal experience and global historical events, as well as the political and cultural development of the individual.

Uses of Photography is a collection of essays by one of the most influential authors of the late 20th century. John Berger’s field of research is marked by an astounding variety of topics and encompasses a wide array of contemporary cultural phenomena. In his essays, he reveals the interconnections between the individual and the society, political and cultural development, personal experience and global historical events. The collection invites readers to acquaint themselves with both the key works of the author, and with the content of his lesser-known essays and critical articles. Among the objects under study are the revolutionary nature of Cubism, the essence of mass protest, the functions of the museum of the future, and the politicized media; attention is also focused on such celebrated names as Walter Benjamin, Francis Bacon, and Vladimir Mayakovsky. 

A poet and outstanding thinker, Berger creates texts that are dialectically complex in content and simultaneously rich in expressive elements. True enjoyment can be derived from the beauty and clarity of his language. This book is heartily recommended to all those who wish to open up new facets for understanding the varied aspects of contemporary art and culture.