Visual Modernity and Media Archeology: The Techniques of the Observer and Modern Visual Culture in China

Abstract

Abstract: Jonathan Crary's The Techniques of the Observer is one of the most important works of visual culture studies, which provides a new historical perspective on modern western vision. Crary traces modern vision to the subjective vision based on new scientific discoveries on vision and new inventions of optical apparatus of the nineteenth century. Thus a new type of observer, who is seen as a modern subject by Crary, was formed. Crary's study has enlarged the field of art history and he has conducted lots of in-depth analysis of visuality, media, perception, etc. His book especially shows two new trends in visual and media studies, which are the studies of visual modernity and media archeology. Such studies could also inspire Chinese scholars to investigate the complicated historical experiences and practices of vision and media in modern China.

Key words: Jonathan Crary, The Techniques of the Observer, visual modernity, media archeology, visuality

CLC Number:

Tang Hongfeng. Visual Modernity and Media Archeology: The Techniques of the Observer and Modern Visual Culture in China[J]. Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art.

References

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