According to The Free dictionary Deconstruction is “a philosophical movement and theory of literary criticism that questions traditional assumptions about certainty, identity, and truth; asserts that words can only refer to other words, and attempts to demonstrate how statements about any text subvert their own meaning”. Or in a pretty straightforward definition taken out from the M-W Learner’s dictionary Deconstruction is “a theory used in the study of literature or philosophy which says that a piece of writing does not have just one meaning and that the meaning depends on the reader”.
Now how does this apply to art?
Deconstruction is a way of understanding how something was created, usually things like art, books, poems and other writing. It means breaking something down into smaller parts. Deconstruction looks at the smaller parts that were used to create an object. The smaller parts are usually ideas.
Deconstruction also inspired deconstructivism in architecture. Maybe you were lucky enough to see in person some of its finest examples like the building of the Guggenheim Museum Museum in Bilbao or Libeskind’s War Museum in Manchester. Examples in architecture can be found in other countries as well.
For this challenge you may want to publish photos of deconstructivist architecture or explore the idea of deconstruction in an example of your own artistic analysis like I did in the image bellow.
If you like being challenged and want to push yourself creatively, then this is the challenge for you.
About Thursday’s Special: it is a colour photo challenge that takes place on Thursdays. Concrete themes are provided and announced well in advance. See the Scheduled Challenges page. You are supposed to make a post on the given theme (today it is deconstruction), link to this post, and leave your links in the comment section bellow. The deadline is Tuesday 13 September.
P.S. After reading your comments and Tobias’s post I realised that I should have put some kind of explanation for the image above. In my photographic analysis I focused on the premise that “deconstruction looks at the smaller parts that were used to create an object, and that the smaller parts are usually ideas.” I shot a bunch of clothes pegs lined up together focusing on the idea of a coil (spring) in the core of a clothes peg. The idea of pinching is in the bottom of a peg idea, to attach clothes to a rope.
75 Comments on “Thursday’s Special: Deconstruction”
So interesting- I have heard the term used in cooking- chefs like to make a dish “deconstructed” Deconstructed dishes may take the foods that are normally combined in the dish, change their forms, and then plate them together in a different way. It’s not just about taking the dish apart, but putting its elements back together. I’ll have to think on this one Paula!
Wow!!!! I’m going to have to study a bit for this challenge. Hope I don’t get so lost in trying to understand that I miss the deadline for this challenge. 🙂
I spent some time learning about deconstruction from “Musings of a Frequent Flying Scientist” … DesleyJane has had several deconstructed flower blogs that are amazing.
No, Paula, I’m joking! You most certainly never have criticised, and we certainly aren’t fighting….it’s just something about this tricky challenge I fear that I won’t come up to snuff…..and you would have every right to throw in a comment
Honestly, I was doubtful about posting it in the first place cause I thought that people might get frustrated. I remembered how frustrated I was when I joined WP and did not like the official themes like “unfocused” or similar, but then after some time I came to my senses :D. The “beauty” of interpreting is that it is your interpretation, and this theme is certainly that. It says that “a book has as many meanings as it has readers” the same with photography, you can take it (image) break it apart and do whatever you want with that. I have to say that I saw your photos in my head and thought well at least Sue would have something suitable. It never occur to me that you would be “the trouble maker” 😀
That is more in the line of destruction, than deconstruction, but I accept all interpretations. I find the definitions provided in the post sufficiently explanatory.
It would be very easy to come up with the themes that other challengers just recycle about. The point of a challenge is to make bloggers think and be creative.
This is such a great challenge, Paula. And your image and musical accompaniment v. intriguing, and on many levels. Here’s my deconstruction: http://wp.me/pKVAM-20e
This is way too intellectual for me. I don’t really spend a lot of time thinking about the pictures I take, at least not before or during the capture. I think about what I want them to be afterwards, when I’m processing, but to me, this is overthinking a visual thing. I actually have no idea where to even begin this kind of analysis. Even as a writer, I tend to work from some part of my brain that is not part of the “consciously cognitive” part of me. I would love to participate, but truthfully, I haven’t the slightest idea how I would go about it. Sorry! I’m not a very intellectual artist, I think. I’m very frontal lobe about other stuff … but not art.
Yes, it is a bit more challenging, but does not have to be difficult at all. It is up to one’s own interpretation. Good to see you back, Gilly. Hope you had a good time.
This couldn’t be any more right, Jenny. Right to the point and I like the outfit. Thank you for taking me on this challenge. Very pleased to have you on board.
Paula, this is a great challenge, and I have been looking forward to it – but I have technical problems with this iPad, so here’s just one more attempt at sharing my post: https://empireoflights.com/2016/09/16/deconstruction/
Hello Tobias. I have found your comments in spam box (not my doing of course) and have set you free. Accidental spamming has been an issue on WordPress recently. I have been a victim too. Thank you for the inspiring article. It should have been you to run this challenge, not me. 🙂
Yes, her was a very pragmatic and down to earth interpretation and I love it. And yours Lisa, with your literal approach to de-construction of one of my favourite subjects…. What can I say, but smile contently. Thank you.
Really a topic to get on thinking. I was lucky enough to see this building (and a few others) in Düsseldorf, Germany, with an architect at my side who explained a bit about them. There are a number of architectural objects of interest next to the river Rhine, in the quarter known as “Medienhafen”, and this tinfoil covered building (actually, it is stainless steel) is part of three buildings (named after the architects Gehri-Bauten). It is the middle one and the two buildings on either side are reflected in its surface. Since we were only on this side of the river I could not get a photo from all three as a unit. https://picturesimperfectblog.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/die-quadratur-des-aluhuts-the-quadrature-of-the-tinfoil-hat/
Hi Paula. You are correct work keeps me so busy that it does not leave me much time. It used to really bother me but now I take it in stride and post when I have time to select a photo that I like and don’t worry about it. Thanks so much for keeping in touch with my blog. When I do post I’m so happy when I hear from my favourite bloggers and you are certainly one of them :). I hope you are well?
So interesting- I have heard the term used in cooking- chefs like to make a dish “deconstructed” Deconstructed dishes may take the foods that are normally combined in the dish, change their forms, and then plate them together in a different way. It’s not just about taking the dish apart, but putting its elements back together. I’ll have to think on this one Paula!
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Thank you for telling me this, Lisa. A deconstructed meal would be a nice response too 🙂
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Wow!!!! I’m going to have to study a bit for this challenge. Hope I don’t get so lost in trying to understand that I miss the deadline for this challenge. 🙂
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I hope so too. Think simple. This does not have to be complicated.
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I spent some time learning about deconstruction from “Musings of a Frequent Flying Scientist” … DesleyJane has had several deconstructed flower blogs that are amazing.
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okay….my obsessive tendencies were awakened with this one…but, maybe this is it
https://ameditativejourney.wordpress.com/2016/09/15/thursdays-special-deconstruction/
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🙂 It is however you interpret it, but this is exactly what I had in mind. Well done!
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Yes, I remember her deconstructed flower and I even suggested to Desley she should enter the challenge 😉
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Yeah intersting and fascinating… 🙂
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I hope you’ll find something fitting for response 🙂
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Eeek! Clueless but I love it 🙂 🙂 Hugs, darlin.
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Clueless too!
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I thought it was a bendy straw. I meant clueless for how to respond.
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Oh, I’m clueless as to how to create a post of my own…but I will, then get told I’ve missed the point 😳
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I’m abdicating xx
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😳
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Who will tell you that you have missed the point?
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You!
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What? I wasn’t aware we were fighting or anything. I certainly don’t remember ever criticizing your entries.
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No, Paula, I’m joking! You most certainly never have criticised, and we certainly aren’t fighting….it’s just something about this tricky challenge I fear that I won’t come up to snuff…..and you would have every right to throw in a comment
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Honestly, I was doubtful about posting it in the first place cause I thought that people might get frustrated. I remembered how frustrated I was when I joined WP and did not like the official themes like “unfocused” or similar, but then after some time I came to my senses :D. The “beauty” of interpreting is that it is your interpretation, and this theme is certainly that. It says that “a book has as many meanings as it has readers” the same with photography, you can take it (image) break it apart and do whatever you want with that. I have to say that I saw your photos in my head and thought well at least Sue would have something suitable. It never occur to me that you would be “the trouble maker” 😀
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😉😀😀
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Clueless is the point.
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It’s something that you know well – clothes peg 😀
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Well, this will have me tearing my hair out….
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This one is a challenge.
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Just seen the Cardinal’s post – defo deconstruction…but sad
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That is more in the line of destruction, than deconstruction, but I accept all interpretations. I find the definitions provided in the post sufficiently explanatory.
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It would be very easy to come up with the themes that other challengers just recycle about. The point of a challenge is to make bloggers think and be creative.
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Well, kudos to you, you are absolutely right
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I have no idea what’s on your photo, but it’s a cool photo.
Here’s my deconstuction post: https://artishorseshit.wordpress.com/2016/09/15/deconstruction/
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Thank you for being the first to offer your interpretation. This is a clothes peg.
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I would never have guessed that. 🙂
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The beauty of macro photography.
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Same as CG…
Difficult to join, for me, but an interesting theme!Impressive photo!
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Yes, no surprise that you agree with CG. Thank you just the same.
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This is such a great challenge, Paula. And your image and musical accompaniment v. intriguing, and on many levels. Here’s my deconstruction: http://wp.me/pKVAM-20e
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Thank you!
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Great picture for a not easy challenge! I started to go through my box and that’s what I came up with: https://geriatrixfotogallerie.wordpress.com/2016/09/15/on-the-move-2/
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Oh my, he looks exhausted 🙂 Thank you very much Trix.
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This is way too intellectual for me. I don’t really spend a lot of time thinking about the pictures I take, at least not before or during the capture. I think about what I want them to be afterwards, when I’m processing, but to me, this is overthinking a visual thing. I actually have no idea where to even begin this kind of analysis. Even as a writer, I tend to work from some part of my brain that is not part of the “consciously cognitive” part of me. I would love to participate, but truthfully, I haven’t the slightest idea how I would go about it. Sorry! I’m not a very intellectual artist, I think. I’m very frontal lobe about other stuff … but not art.
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It’s fine. Maybe some other challenge will be up your alley. Have a good day, Marilyn.
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A fascinating concept Paula. It will be interesting to see what those who participate come up with!
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I agree, Sue. Thank you!
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Paula this is a really tough challenge, it might take me a while . . .
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Yes, it is a bit more challenging, but does not have to be difficult at all. It is up to one’s own interpretation. Good to see you back, Gilly. Hope you had a good time.
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I’m not sure I’ve really got this right but here’s my first entry in one of your challenges: https://jennysotherstuff.wordpress.com/2016/09/17/deconstruction/
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This couldn’t be any more right, Jenny. Right to the point and I like the outfit. Thank you for taking me on this challenge. Very pleased to have you on board.
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Hi Paula, I have been looking forward to this and now it does not seem to work with the pingbacks and all. So here’s another attempt at sharing my link: https://empireoflights.com/2016/09/16/deconstruction/
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Paula, this is a great challenge, and I have been looking forward to it – but I have technical problems with this iPad, so here’s just one more attempt at sharing my post: https://empireoflights.com/2016/09/16/deconstruction/
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Hello Tobias. I have found your comments in spam box (not my doing of course) and have set you free. Accidental spamming has been an issue on WordPress recently. I have been a victim too. Thank you for the inspiring article. It should have been you to run this challenge, not me. 🙂
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One last attempt at sharing – if all three should go through, just delete some… https://empireoflights.com/2016/09/16/deconstruction/
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It seems that it wasn’t the fault of your iPad, but the technical issue of WP that has reportedly happened to many of us.
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Pingback: Thursday’s Special: Deconstruction | A Day In The Life
Love seeing what people chose for this challenge- the outfit for the suitcase is wonderful! Here’s my take https://dailymusing57.com/2016/09/18/thursdays-special-deconstruction/
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Yes, her was a very pragmatic and down to earth interpretation and I love it. And yours Lisa, with your literal approach to de-construction of one of my favourite subjects…. What can I say, but smile contently. Thank you.
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Very interesting and very challenging, Paula.
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Pingback: Die Quadratur des Aluhuts – The quadrature of the tinfoil hat | picturesimperfectblog
Really a topic to get on thinking. I was lucky enough to see this building (and a few others) in Düsseldorf, Germany, with an architect at my side who explained a bit about them. There are a number of architectural objects of interest next to the river Rhine, in the quarter known as “Medienhafen”, and this tinfoil covered building (actually, it is stainless steel) is part of three buildings (named after the architects Gehri-Bauten). It is the middle one and the two buildings on either side are reflected in its surface. Since we were only on this side of the river I could not get a photo from all three as a unit. https://picturesimperfectblog.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/die-quadratur-des-aluhuts-the-quadrature-of-the-tinfoil-hat/
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I think your image would make a wonderful piece of stained glass….and would make for interesting conversation.
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🙂 thank you for the wonderful comment, Mark. How are you? I bet that the work is keeping you too busy. I always follow your blog.
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Hi Paula. You are correct work keeps me so busy that it does not leave me much time. It used to really bother me but now I take it in stride and post when I have time to select a photo that I like and don’t worry about it. Thanks so much for keeping in touch with my blog. When I do post I’m so happy when I hear from my favourite bloggers and you are certainly one of them :). I hope you are well?
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Thank you, Mark. I am doing a lot better. I appreciate your concern.
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Very good to hear!
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Here’s mine, very belatedly: https://suejudd.com/2016/09/21/deconstruction/
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Still in time 🙂
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