Deconstruction by Derrida

From my understanding of the reading, deconstruction in the way Derrida defines it asks how representation inhabits reality. It focuses on the specific elements of design; text, but stems from the basic idea of oppositions. His theory focuses on the opposition of representation v.s. reality, and the way things initially viewed on an external level subsequently become of internal importance. In design, he focuses on the deconstruction of text. He does not define deconstruction though as the typical break down of a form from a whole to parts, but rather a way to use the relationship of the text to its contexts and setting in order to gather its fullest meaning. The opposition between text and writing is one which rings loudly for Derrida, because typical views see writing as “an inferior copy of the spoken word.” (pg. 4) For Derrida and the deconstructive mindset though, writing is very much alive and active in transforming one’s mindset through the invasion of thought and speech. Derrida even assigns the specific term “grammatology” to the study of writing as a specific form of representation. Deconstruction does not focus on the theme and imagery of an object, but rather the linguistic system that initiates the production of texts.

This example entitled “This Futurist” by Marinetti combines poetry and literature with the use of deconstructive type. The text of the poem is deconstructed in a specific format which forces the viewer to move throughout the piece in order the read the poem in a certain way. This work forces the audience to focus on the relationship of the text to its context, looking at both text and form within the singular piece. 

Laryssa B