Look Again: Visibility

Look Again is a new series of short books from Tate Publishing that explores British art over the last 500 years and what it can tell us about our lives today. Author Johny Pitts examines the notion of visibility in Tate's galleries, highlighting the invisible figures in the background who have been overlooked by history. The series features original sketches by Tate staff that respond to works from Britain's national collection of art, suggesting that the way to reach a fuller understanding of our history is to start looking at it through new eyes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Tate Publishing

Look Again is a captivating new series of short books from Tate Publishing, delving into the rich tapestry of British art over the past five centuries. Through insightful and thought-provoking narratives, these books shed light on the profound impact that art has had on our lives today. Written by esteemed authors, artists, and cultural commentators, each book offers a fresh perspective on some of the most iconic, beloved, and thought-provoking artworks in the national collection, prompting us to reexamine our perception of these masterpieces.

In the first chapter, author, photographer, and broadcaster Johny Pitts explores the concept of visibility within the galleries of Tate. He questions who has the privilege of being seen and why. While the well-known faces of our beloved paintings grace the walls of Tate, it is important to look beyond and acknowledge the invisible figures in the background whose stories have been obscured by history, hidden in plain sight. These individuals, who are often overlooked by the system that profits from their labor while dismissing it as unskilled, are the backbone of the galleries. Look Again: Visibility features original sketches by Tate staff that respond to works from Britain's national collection of art. These sketches serve as a powerful testament to the unseen figures who have long been marginalized by a system that profits from their hard work while disregarding their contributions.

The book encourages us to bear witness to these overlooked figures and to challenge the narratives that have perpetuated their invisibility. It suggests that perhaps the way to reach a fuller understanding of our history is to start looking at it through new eyes, to see the world through the lens of empathy and compassion. Look Again: Visibility is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the power of art to shape our understanding of the world. It is a must-read for anyone who seeks to deepen their appreciation for art and its role in shaping our collective history.

Weight: 80g
Dimension: 110 x 176 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849768252