Dre Sanchez - Deconstruction + Derrida

Deconstruction can be described as a complex process of inquiry aimed at the intellectual systems that frame the world. In the 1967 book Of Grammatology, Derrida examines the opposition between reality and representation present in both speech and writing, respectively. Back then, writing was treated as a soulless duplication of what was once told in tongue. Derrida argues against this by pointing out that writing can also be a deep and involving process since it can feature advanced functions such as “memory, knowledge and spirit” (pg. 4) that impact it, just like speech. Furthermore, Derrida finds that speech is not perfect since it relies on the presence of the alphabet to work. To come to these conclusions, Derrida reversed the terms (speech and writing) in the original relationship. It is this constant reexamination for a deeper meaning between terms in a relationship that help define deconstruction.

Graphic design has been deeply affected by deconstruction in all aspects, from page layouts to typography choices. Deconstruction is not a style according to the reading but a way to breakdown something to its core. It utilizes thorough investigations to find a deeper essence. In graphic design, it takes careful thought and experimentation to reach a good design that contains meaning and can communicate well. Deconstruction and design also share “functions of repetition, quotation and fragmentation” seen in writing (pg. 23). There is no doubt deconstruction has helped push graphic design reach new heights - no matter how unconventional it may seem on the surface. There is always a reason to the madness.

The image I found is called “untitled” and deconstructs the Chiquita banana label into a chaotic yet vibrant design. When looking at this design, there are many elements recognizable to deconstruction. For example, there is definitely a complicated hierarchy to this picture in regards to how all the numerous visual elements were placed. The variety of typefaces vary in placement, color and size. There is also overlapping imagery, as can be seen in the numbers (#4235). Unfortunately, there is not really any dimensionality nor clever word play, but I think this image fits what was asked.

- Dre.