Aug 11, 2016

Theory of the Dérive

My Inspiration for this assessment is come from “Theory of the Dérive” by Guy Debord. To understand the idea of “Derive” the study of word psychogeography is very important. Accounting to Debord (1955) Psychogeography could be define as “the study of the precise laws and specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organized or not, on the emotions and behavior of individuals.” It means because the history, culture or other factor such as the movement in this area, people might see urban parts differently. Moreover, there are three main idea or arguments that I want to bring to your attention. Firstly, the argument for Derive could be consider as -What makes derivation different from a stroll is its playful/constructive aspect and an awareness of psychogeographical effects. Secondly, there are no clear border between each parts of the city. Worth to mention that, this idea might explain why Debord separated the city into pieces. Lastly, arrows represent how people see these parts of the city.

Relate to Debord’s work, he used arrow lines connect those drawing of different parts of the city. Some area just got single arrows that in and out, but some of the parts involved many arrows from different directions. These arrows could be considered as roads or path way that lead to the other part of the city. This technique shows different part of the city has different meaning in viewer’s mind thus, some of them might only be seen as a path way but some of them are worth to take more time to have a close view.

In my work I used the same technique to draw my picture. Also, I have been to different parts of Sydney and feel the architecture. Then I found out that some small parts in this city have different history, culture background, economic effect and the effect of human activities. Thus, I pick them out and drew it as part of my work, and I also did some research about those areas. Thus, I could connect to my own feeling and understand this area more. Before I drew the final work I have done 2 drifts and 1 planning. I been to all the area and recorded my feeling of those areas. Furthermore, I used my own notes to decide which area is more important, then I drew arrows represent that. If it’s an area that only be seen as a path way I will few only two arrows for represent as pass thought.

Debord’s work