Pizhuhish nāmah-i intiqādī-i mutūn va barnāmah hā-yi ̒ulūm-i insāni (Critical Studies in Texts & Programs of Human Sciences)

Observation as a Tool for Historian: A Critical Analysis of James Elkins’ Theories in the book How to Use Your Eyes

Document Type : Research

Author

Jamal Arabzadeh

Assistant Professor and Faculty Member of Painting Group, Visual Arts College, Art University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30465/crtls.2021.36733.2266
Abstract
This research is a critique of “How to use your eyes” by James Elkins. He is an important theorist of art historiography with a critical view of traditional theories about art history. The book's subject is "observation". Elkins carefully observes a wide range of visual phenomena in two main categories: man-made and natural, which have different dimensions: historical, artistic, technological, linguistic, cultural, social or completely natural. He intends to teach correctly seeing. Here, the main question is about pattern forms the book basis and tries to extract his mental pattern by analyzing various book elements. The initial assumption is that the author specializes in visual studies of art history, has indirectly proposed the qualities ideas and how art historian activity dealing with various phenomena in art and culture. Therefore, his writings and basic theories have been explored. The research shows that many cases related to observation can be adapted to activities and different approaches in the historical art research and some of the main views of the author can be identified beyond them. For Elkins, correct observation free from the defined formats is the key to und erstand art history. In his opinion, history cannot be perceived only by studying art works. Observations of other visual phenomena in today's culture can deepen its understanding. Different expertise and knowledge are required.

Keywords

Art History
Art Historiography
James Elkins
Visual Studies
the Eyes

Subjects

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Pizhuhish nāmah-i intiqādī-i mutūn va barnāmah hā-yi ̒ulūm-i insāni (Critical Studies in Texts & Programs of Human Sciences)
Volume 21, Issue 8 - Serial Number 96
October 2021
Pages 249-268

  • Receive Date 10 June 2021
  • Revise Date 10 September 2021
  • Accept Date 09 October 2021

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