Decoding Turner.

New word for me too - Pareidolia - that’s definitely me - more often than not, when I’m driving - very dangerous. 😡

I love cloud watching crazyH, possibly not whilst driving though! .

The program gave me more to think of when I see a Turner again, probably be a poster not the real thing though.

I enjoyed watching people like Andrew Graham Dixon being politely interested while obviously wondering if they should be looking for hidden cameras or men in white coats Some of it was relatively convincing but there was a lot of hypothesising.

some if it was relatively convincing, but.....
I think I agree with this deeda
But as AGD pointed out, Turner would just be following in the long tradition of 'hiding in plain sight' a message of sorts in paintings.
But then, there are artists who insist they paint what they see, but it is the audience who 'see' something different.
Georgia O'keeffes flowers for example.

I remember when art experts insisted Turner was expressing inner confusion when he painted in a more abstract style, and that his use of misty horizons and explosive bright colours was due to suppressed conflict.

Some one (?) Came up with the plausible idea that Victorian smog and a change in the weather which made the sky look hazy, was actually his inspiration

I like it when someone brings a new perspective to a subject
It makes us think more

I'm all in favour of new perspectives Namsnanny We'll see how this one works out - will other people have further revelations or will it all gradually fade away.

I love Turner and have recorded the programme but I'm slightly wary of watching it. Maybe I don't want to see things hidden in his paintings. Once seen you cannot unsee. I don't want to see something jump out at me when I look. Do you think it's safe to watch it?

Yes I do Chestnut, most of the images are very hard to see.

I liked the one of Titian which is reasonably clear. People have noticed this figure before but assumed Turner painted himself.

Do they know whether Turner intended any of these hidden things? People can see faces everywhere and there was even one of Elvis's face in a towel recently. As they all all bonkers then maybe these are also just someone's imagination.

I think that's the basis of the program.
The theory is put forward, with supporting evidence where possible, and then people discuss, refute, agree, according to their opinion.

Sorting out what is a human face and what isnt is one of the first things a new born has to accomplish.
It's a skill to aid survival.
Stays with us.

But you're right so.e people have it more acutely.
I needed the features pointed out, as I couldnt see them that well myself.

Having said that though, all were relevant to each specific painting, ie Nelson's image in the waves of the sea, in the painting g of the Battle of Trafalgar.

I watched the first 10 minutes and the phrase "emperor's New clothes" came to mind. Perhaps the programme became more convincing later but what I saw felt like a late April Fools joke

Clearly you did the right thing for you by switching over eddiecat78