Construction and Deconstruction - Function Research Paper

Construction and Deconstruction - Function - Research Paper Example In doing so, the artist seeks to produce with the onlooker a dialogue one that fills us with appreciation or apprehension about the world, others and ourselves. The Uses of Deconstruction Deconstruction has often been used or shock or stun the onlooker in the tradition of surrealism. Deconstructive art believes that we should not rely on any previous assumptions (Mundy, 2001). In general parlance, we can equate this to describing the meaning of a word by using another group of words. So we will find that there is a hierarchical or strong-weak or teacher-student relationship between the words generally used in a language. This is frowned upon by the followers of deconstructive art. Such artists believe as much in the importance of leaving things out as in conveying no specific meaning. Though deconstruction has been criticised as a nihilistic and frivolously sceptical pursuit, yet some scholars have welcomed it as a useful reminder in, perhaps, politics where what is said is sometimes less important than what is purposefully left out. Deconstructive art can inversely remind us of the importance of structuralism in our lives and how it aids us in constructing logic and giving meaning to language, thought etc. Alternatively, it can also form a basis for equating things that we normally never do, being of interest to inventors etc. I will now proceed to comment on the works of a number of different practitioners of deconstructive art, trying to fathom what message they are trying to convey through their works. The Works of Mona Hatoum Mona Hatoum (born 1952) is a Lebanese artist but has resided in the UK ever since the days of the war in 1975. She has never regarded herself as a Lebanese and her love of art was never encouraged by her family especially her father, since he wanted her to do something more practical in life. While in exile in London, she had a chance to study at the Slade School of Art and the Shaw School of Art. Mona was especially interested in Min imalism and the psychological manifestation of art. In her own words: â€Å"I don’t think art is the best place to be didactic- I don’t think the language of visual art is the most suitable for presenting clear arguments, let alone for trying to convince, convert or teach† (Archer et al, 1997). Mona surprises by using seemingly innocuous materials to convey messages of fear, danger and isolation. One of her first works, ‘Measures of Distance’ (1988) is a video tape she recorded that shows the distances between Arab and Western society, between male and female gender, between war and peace, freedom and exile. It is a monologue by her mother and a reply to all her questions. It speaks of fragmentation, of not knowing one’s place in society, of the dangers in living in Lebanon during the war. It appeals to the senses and the heart in a particularly personal way if you hear the work using headphones (as I did). In ‘Silence’ (1994) Mo na uses glass tubing to construct a child’s bed, reflecting the vulnerability of the child being hurt by glass in a place it equates with comfort, thus, there is a paradox here as well. In ‘Mexican Cage’ (2002) Mona again depicts the plight of Mexican workers. They are enslaved by low wages and even bonded labour. The red, blue, orange and white colours of the cage look so inviting but we must remember that it is a

The Wine Industry Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Wine Industry Analysis - Essay Example Gradually the industry started modernizing all its processes and using fermentation and refrigeration for producing better quality products. As of now European market comprises of the majority of wine consumers, with other regions gradually joining in. Therefore the industry is indeed an attractive one, but the growing rivalry amongst the competitors has resulted in reduced margins for the industry. In addition threat of substitutes like other soft beverages has always kept the wine industry on the lookout for upgrading their own standards and quality. Some of the major wine producers are Constellation Brands, Inc. E. & J. Gallo Winery, Janton, Pernod Ricard etc. On account of increasing competition some consolidation is also taking place in the industry, with mergers and acquisitions. But the kind of competition amongst the large number of producers can be gauged from the fact that none of the major producers can boast of a market share of 2%. Observing the wine production figures s ince 1994 and projecting an estimate for the next five years till 2005, Morgan Stanley figured out that there could a marked decrease in the production levels in some countries, particularly after 2000, but this is more because of the increasing competition, which again is a pointer towards the attraction of the industry. Wine brings cheers to the consumers and has survived many adverse circumstances. But today the industry has made itself resilient enough towards such circumstances and facing them boldly. Q-2: What is the basis for competitive advantage Ans: Wine industry has in fact inherited some of the competitive strength in the form of its association with prestige and sharing happiness. In general the competitive advantage of wine industry is based upon the following facts; Quality of wine is decided as per the climatic conditions, the land and the ambience, which gives it a unique identity. Its shelf life is much more as compared to other drinks and beverages. Wine is mostly used as a pleasure drink, with friends and colleagues. Therefore the consumption of wine in a group tends to become more. Wine companies generally have a portfolio of products reflecting a wide variety of choices demanded by consumers in various style and price ranges. There are low-cost high volume varieties, premium varieties and ultra premium varieties. The market is ever growing with the drink becoming quite fashionable amongst the youth. Wine if taken in controlled quantity can have medicinal effects as well, therefore even doctors, other health professionals, NGOs too do not feel the need to be up in arms against the drink. It has been observed that citizens above the age of 50 years consume more wine than the younger ones. And with the a sharp rise in the average age of an individual, thanks to the advancements in health care