The LRB Podcast

In Conversation: On John Berger

Jan 4, 2017
Marking John Berger’s 90th birthday, guests Tom Overton, Yasmin Gunaratnam, and Mike Dibb explore his profound legacy. Overton shares insights from Berger's archives, while Gunaratnam discusses his international impact through diverse storytelling. Dibb reminisces about their collaboration on 'Ways of Seeing,' detailing the creative process behind this influential work. They delve into Berger's unique perspectives on art, politics, and identity, celebrating his lasting influence on writers and artists worldwide.
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ANECDOTE

Origin As A Storyteller

  • John Berger began storytelling during military service by writing embellished letters home for tougher recruits.
  • He later traced that role to his lifelong practice of telling varied forms of stories across media.
INSIGHT

Form Follows Conviction

  • Berger constantly shifted form to suit what he had to say, using essays, novels, plays and visual pieces.
  • Tom Overton argues Berger let the form follow the sentiment, quoting Picasso's maxim about saying things in the manner they ought to be said.
INSIGHT

Two-Part Structure Reveals Method

  • Landscapes groups Berger's art writing into teachers/collaborators and the terrain where he applies that optic.
  • This structure reveals how influences became tools for his cultural and political readings.
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