Metaphors on Vision 

It was very intriguing reading Brakhage’s “Metaphors on Vision” as it made me think about the influences society has had throughout our entires lives. Brakhage’s statements made me wonder what life would be like if we perceived the world around us without labeling or defining objects and materials. Perceiving and knowing too much in the way society wants us to might not be a good thing. In a way, we can lose our ability to imagine and think beyond our limits. It’s sad really, and we see so many things in our lives and just pass by them like they’re nothing when in reality they offer so much more. 

One section of Brahkhage’s text that really caught my attention was the discussion of the infant’s eye. While it’s impossible for us to regain our innocent child-like vision, visuals, especially videos, can help us experience journeys that provide us the state of vision that we all had as children. Artists use countless techniques to create that experience of the world that we knew before we were molded by society’s ways. In addition, visual communication is a universal language that everyone understands and therefore can provoke emotions. It reminds me of the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, but a video is worth millions. 

It seems that some artists have some ideas on how the world really is from their point of view, like Brakhage. The artists display their view onto their work and offer something that not many people appreciate. Brakhage’s challenge to society’s influence brings me back to this video series known as Don’t Hug I’m Scared. The series takes on topics like creativity, time, technology, etc, in a very unusual way. A friend of mine introduced me to this other video that has always made felt awestruck. The images, sound, and camera work are superb and makes you believe that you’re on some sort of journey. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C_HReR_McQ

https://vimeo.com/51584025