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Kitoba.Com >>> The Arts >>> Art Essays >>> Reconstructivist Art >>> Reconstructivism (index)

November, 1st, 2008
last updated March, 12th, 2010

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Entry #18 Rating: 2.7/5 (10 votes cast)

Reconstructivist Art:

Reconstructivism

by Chris Sunami

A reconstructivist art work builds upon prior, deconstructionist artworks and techniques, but adapts them to classic themes and structures, with the goal of creating works of genuine emotion and significance. In this way, reconstructivism (when it works) combines the vitality and originality of deconstructionism with the comforts, pleasures and rewards of classicism. The overall purpose of reconstructivism is to reawaken a sense of the Real in a world where everything has been demonstrated to be an illusion.

A reconstructivist artwork has four distinctive characteristics:

A Nod to Artifice: As with deconstructionism, a reconstructivist artwork is aware of its own status as a creation, an illusion or a fiction. However, unlike a deconstructionist work, a reconstructivist is not ironic, or if so, it is not merely ironic. It compels you to believe in its own deeper reality, even as it acknowledges its superficial artificiality.

A Classic Structure: Despite the inclusion of surprising or startling elements, a reconstructivist artwork is always based on a classic or conventional structure.

Transcontextual and/or Iconic Elements: A reconstructivist artwork is literally a construct, generally made of decontextualized elements from many different sources. These elements are often exaggerated or made iconic and archetypal in a very conscious, self-aware fashion. Often an explicit reference is made to a prior work, which itself may be based on another yet-earlier work.

Moments of Genuine Emotion or Significance: No matter how theatrical, cynical or shallow it might appear, a reconstructivist artwork must portray real emotions or inspire a genuine emotional response.

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