creative writing school
Module 4: Unknown & Unexpected
Welcome to our online creative writing course, where we'll dive into the fascinating world of disorder, drawing inspiration from the groundbreaking works of artists Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch, as well as the thought-provoking concepts of post-structuralism. While disorder may seem like a serious and complex topic, I assure you that this course will be anything but dry. Instead, we'll approach disorder with a playful and experimental mindset, much like playing a game of Tetris. Through creative exploration and experimentation, we'll deconstruct traditional notions of coherence and order, reshaping language, syntax, and meaning in unexpected and imaginative ways. So, if you're ready to unleash your creativity and embrace the chaos, come join us on this exhilarating journey into the world of disorder!
theory
Post-structuralism, a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, challenges traditional notions of order and stability in language, meaning, and knowledge. Central to post-structuralist thought is the idea that meaning is not fixed or inherent in texts but is instead contingent upon context and interpretation. This perspective destabilizes the notion of a single, authoritative interpretation, opening up the possibility for multiple, conflicting readings.
Post-structuralist thinkers such as Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault argued that language itself is inherently unstable and cannot fully capture the complexity of human experience. They emphasized the role of power dynamics, historical context, and cultural norms in shaping language and discourse, highlighting the ways in which language can be used to maintain or challenge existing power structures.
In literature, post-structuralism has been associated with experimental narrative techniques, fragmented storytelling, and a rejection of traditional narrative conventions. Writers influenced by post-structuralist ideas often explore themes of ambiguity, instability, and multiplicity of meaning in their works, disrupting linear narratives and blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality.
Overall, post-structuralism's emphasis on disorder and instability reflects a broader philosophical shift away from fixed, hierarchical systems of knowledge and towards a recognition of the inherent complexity and contingency of human experience.
Post-structuralist thinkers such as Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault argued that language itself is inherently unstable and cannot fully capture the complexity of human experience. They emphasized the role of power dynamics, historical context, and cultural norms in shaping language and discourse, highlighting the ways in which language can be used to maintain or challenge existing power structures.
In literature, post-structuralism has been associated with experimental narrative techniques, fragmented storytelling, and a rejection of traditional narrative conventions. Writers influenced by post-structuralist ideas often explore themes of ambiguity, instability, and multiplicity of meaning in their works, disrupting linear narratives and blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality.
Overall, post-structuralism's emphasis on disorder and instability reflects a broader philosophical shift away from fixed, hierarchical systems of knowledge and towards a recognition of the inherent complexity and contingency of human experience.
inspiration
Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch are known for their collaborative video art installations that explore themes of identity, technology, and the disordered nature of contemporary society. In their works, they often present chaotic and fragmented narratives that reflect the fast-paced, information-saturated world of the digital age.
Their videos feature a frenetic visual style characterized by rapid editing, overlapping dialogue, and surreal imagery, creating an overwhelming sensory experience that mirrors the disorderly nature of modern life. Through their use of non-linear storytelling and disjointed narratives, Trecartin and Fitch challenge traditional notions of coherence and order, instead embracing the fragmented and chaotic nature of contemporary existence.
Their installations often feature immersive environments that further amplify feelings of disorientation and disorder. Viewers are invited to navigate through labyrinthine spaces filled with screens, projections, and sculptural elements, blurring the boundaries between the virtual and the real.
Overall, Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch's work explores disorder by reflecting the fragmented and frenetic nature of contemporary society, inviting viewers to confront the chaos and uncertainty of the world around them.
Their videos feature a frenetic visual style characterized by rapid editing, overlapping dialogue, and surreal imagery, creating an overwhelming sensory experience that mirrors the disorderly nature of modern life. Through their use of non-linear storytelling and disjointed narratives, Trecartin and Fitch challenge traditional notions of coherence and order, instead embracing the fragmented and chaotic nature of contemporary existence.
Their installations often feature immersive environments that further amplify feelings of disorientation and disorder. Viewers are invited to navigate through labyrinthine spaces filled with screens, projections, and sculptural elements, blurring the boundaries between the virtual and the real.
Overall, Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch's work explores disorder by reflecting the fragmented and frenetic nature of contemporary society, inviting viewers to confront the chaos and uncertainty of the world around them.
creative exercise
In this exercise, we will explore the theme of deconstruction not only as a topic but also in the very shape and structure of our writing. Get ready to play with language, sentence structure, syntax, vocabulary, and punctuation like pieces in a game of Tetris, building and demolishing, constructing and destroying, in a playful and experimental manner.
Step 1: Set the stage
Begin by creating an open and playful mindset. Embrace the idea that there are no rules or limitations in this exercise. Allow yourself to let go of traditional notions of coherence and order in writing. Think of your words as building blocks that you can rearrange and reshape at will.
Step 2: Choose your topic
Select a topic or theme that resonates with you. It could be anything from personal experiences to abstract concepts like identity, reality, or perception. Keep in mind that the goal is not to convey a clear message but to explore the theme through experimentation and play.
Step 3: Deconstruct and reconstruct
Start writing freely, allowing your thoughts and ideas to flow without censorship or judgment. As you write, challenge yourself to deconstruct language, sentence structure, and syntax. Play with vocabulary, punctuation, and formatting in unconventional ways. Experiment with fragmentation, repetition, and juxtaposition to create unexpected and surprising effects.
Step 4: Break the rules
Don't be afraid to break the rules of grammar and syntax. Mix and match words and phrases in unconventional combinations. Use punctuation creatively to disrupt the flow of your writing. Play with spacing, line breaks, and formatting to create visual interest and emphasis.
Step 5: Embrace uncertainty
Embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity that arise from deconstructing traditional forms of writing. Allow contradictions and paradoxes to coexist within your text. Explore the tension between chaos and order, construction and destruction, meaning and meaninglessness.
Step 6: Reflect and revise
Once you've completed your writing, take a moment to reflect on your creative process. Consider how deconstruction and experimentation have influenced the shape and content of your writing. Revise your work if necessary, but remember to maintain the playful and experimental spirit that inspired it.
Step 7: Keep playing
Keep exploring the theme of deconstruction in your writing beyond this exercise. Experiment with different techniques and styles, and continue to push the boundaries of conventional writing practices. Remember, writing is a playful and creative act – so keep playing, experimenting, and exploring new possibilities!
Step 1: Set the stage
Begin by creating an open and playful mindset. Embrace the idea that there are no rules or limitations in this exercise. Allow yourself to let go of traditional notions of coherence and order in writing. Think of your words as building blocks that you can rearrange and reshape at will.
Step 2: Choose your topic
Select a topic or theme that resonates with you. It could be anything from personal experiences to abstract concepts like identity, reality, or perception. Keep in mind that the goal is not to convey a clear message but to explore the theme through experimentation and play.
Step 3: Deconstruct and reconstruct
Start writing freely, allowing your thoughts and ideas to flow without censorship or judgment. As you write, challenge yourself to deconstruct language, sentence structure, and syntax. Play with vocabulary, punctuation, and formatting in unconventional ways. Experiment with fragmentation, repetition, and juxtaposition to create unexpected and surprising effects.
Step 4: Break the rules
Don't be afraid to break the rules of grammar and syntax. Mix and match words and phrases in unconventional combinations. Use punctuation creatively to disrupt the flow of your writing. Play with spacing, line breaks, and formatting to create visual interest and emphasis.
Step 5: Embrace uncertainty
Embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity that arise from deconstructing traditional forms of writing. Allow contradictions and paradoxes to coexist within your text. Explore the tension between chaos and order, construction and destruction, meaning and meaninglessness.
Step 6: Reflect and revise
Once you've completed your writing, take a moment to reflect on your creative process. Consider how deconstruction and experimentation have influenced the shape and content of your writing. Revise your work if necessary, but remember to maintain the playful and experimental spirit that inspired it.
Step 7: Keep playing
Keep exploring the theme of deconstruction in your writing beyond this exercise. Experiment with different techniques and styles, and continue to push the boundaries of conventional writing practices. Remember, writing is a playful and creative act – so keep playing, experimenting, and exploring new possibilities!
stay motivated!
As we come to the end of our creative writing course, I want to leave you with a reminder: artists don't just create artworks, they craft methods. And just like any game, creativity thrives on playfulness. So, as you continue on your writing journey, remember to embrace the joy of play. Let your imagination run wild, experiment with new techniques, and most importantly, have fun with what you do. Play, write, and play some more. It's through this playful exploration that you'll uncover new possibilities, refine your craft, and ultimately, create work that resonates deeply with both yourself and others. So, keep playing, keep writing, and I look forward to seeing you again soon for more adventures in creativity!
Photo: Ryan Trecartin Lizzie Fitch