Description

Humankind has traditionally had a special relationship with the
atmospheric characteristics of their environment, especially when it
comes to rain. Using unique and expertly developed cases - from
prehistoric cave paintings up to the meaning of rain in photography and
cinema - this book casts new light on a theme that is both ecological
and iconological, both natural and cultural-historical.
Are our
current paradigms in the visual studies enough to be able to describe
the art and culture surrounding rain in a nuanced way, even to reach Beyond? Considering one does not simply look at the rain, one looks into
the rain? Its effect on the audience is contaminating, it seeps
through, elusive and dynamic. In the book, important cultural thinkers
from both the past as well as the present are invited to carefully
consider these questions with the author.
Barbara Baert's touching
essay reveals the capability of humans to combine imagery and
fascination into one. Baert's unique prose makes Looking Beyond the Rain. Magic-Moisture-Medium a profound, bold, and sometimes fervent essay.