Reading questions

1. Identify the article you have selected and why you chose it.

I have selected the article, "Theory of the Dérive", written by Guy Debord. Originally "published in the Belgian surrealist journal Les Lèvres Nues #9 (November 1956) along with accounts of two dérives," I found this article to define the term Dérive, or Drift. I felt this was an important work to study more closely because it was what out class revolves around and something I would like to experiment with more. I would like ideas on techniques for drifting.

2. What are the main points of the essay?

First Debord sets forth a base for what a dérive, or drift is, then goes into the aspects that make up one, defining the word in a sense. He then shows some examples of drifts in different forms. He goes into different ways of attempting drifts, explains the durations the drifts can last, affects of nature on drifts, storms, and how location can play it's part.

3. How are the ideas or arguments in this article relevant to your own practice as a media artist?

As an artist I am always searching for new content and material to work into my projects. Often times I can come to creative roadblocks, setting back both my work and my mood. This idea of a drift, or a modified stroll in a sense, seems to be the perfect way to break the mental block I experience. It allows me to experience constant new input from places in which I wouldn't necessarily venture into.