Conclusion: Staring Back and Forth

Abstract

Throughout this book, I have argued for the importance of visual culture. Body images and images of the body matter, to individuals, to societies, and to politics. Gazing/staring at bodies articulates, mediates, and informs everyday social interactions, as well as larger social constructions. I have attempted to add dimensions toacts of looking at the body, as a means to encourage viewers to look again. Blending art historical and disability studies perspectives on images of the body, I have showed how disability studies can assert unique viewpoints on art history and how art history can contribute significant contexts to images of disabled bodies. I have foregrounded my own perspective as a viewer and described how viewer perception can affect the power of images. In the process of writing this book, I have also assumed the role of the subject on display.