Thursday, 20 October 2016

OUGD601 - Dissertation - Rough Essay Structure

Structuring of Essay

In order to execute my dissertation successfully, I will need to follow some sort of logical structure/essay plan. The theme in which I am tackling is fairly broad, however I do have specific interests within the overarching theme/question. 

I am interested into examining the concept of order or chaos within visual communication and graphic design. Ultimately, I will exploring the extend to which deconstructionist theory has impacted/influenced contemporary visual culture in a literal or abstract sense. I have devised a rough outline of the structure in which I see the essay tacking: 

Intro (1000 Words)

Introduce the theme in an articulated manner
Outline the chapters and the aim of the investigation
Introduce key texts and writers in the field/topic

Chapter 1:
Origins - The Origins of Deconstructivism 

I will briefly explore the concept that high modernism imposed mass order through its philosophy and postmodernism’s reaction to this order in the form of visual profusion, subversion and chaos – how the emergence of postmodernism and deconstructivism was inevitable – discuss how this was potentially the last truly definable ‘movement’ with ‘graphic design’ and how we have arrived at a time of uncertainty and intangibility presently.

Discuss how deconstructivist style emerged within visual communication from Postmodernist and Post-structuralist theory/ideology – What was it a reaction to? How was it received? What were its aims and intentions? Why did it emerge? What are its earliest roots? (Dadaism)
Summaries the totalitarianism of modernism and why it was inevitable that creative people would question its authority.

Here I will explore key theorists in a bit more detail: Derrida, Lupton, Baudrillard, Jameson, Barthes, Poyner critiquing and contrasting their views

Chapter 2:
Lasting Impact/Influence - The Influence of Deconstructivism on Contemporary Visual Culture

This chapter will explore several designers/practitioners that pioneered the deconstructivist movement within visual communication, examining the contexts that they worked within and why they did what they did. Here I will explore the impact of changes in technology and global culture and how these changes sped up the rise of postmodernism and deconstructivist aesthetic.
I will look at a range of practitioners who were active in the 80s and 90s:  Jamie Reid, Kathrine McCoy from The Cranbrook Academy, David Carson, Neville Brody.

I will then move on to look at the lasting impact that these key creatives have had, examining the underpinning influence of deconstructivist ideology/theory has had, whether that be conscious of unconscious influence

The freedom of expression and fluidity that this small movement has facilitated is larger than most people like the believe.

I want to examine the relevance of deconstructivism within contemporary design culture. Is it offering anything productive or positive? Here, I will discuss at least three key pieces of contemporary graphic design that I feel are directly influenced by deconstructivism, attempting to understand the inspiration behind the work, its purpose and the reasoning behind the overall process and design treatment.

Chapter 3:
The Present - Is It Possible To Define Contemporary Graphic Design?
Here, I want to discuss the concept of post-postmodernism or meta-modernism and how it can be applied to understand current trends in visual culture. I am interested in the emergence of the New Aesthetic and how this questions postmodernism and modernism simultaneously.

Conclusion

Reflect on the key points raised and conclude whether or not I believe deconstructivist style has had a positive or negative impact on the way graphic design practice/culture is behaving currently. 




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