Power of the brick

From the first glance, there isn't much to say about the brick. Looking at it one can see that it is just a simple cube-like object.

All I know about this object so far is that it is used for construction purposes. From building walls to pavements and walkways. The figure on the left is an image of a standard brick in someone's hand. From this image, we can clearly see the object's size, colour and shape. From this image, one can also guess how heavy this object is based on how the object sits in the hand.

This blog focuses on a particular object in the attempt to not just collect data but to also gain greater understanding and knowledge of the object. The object I chose is a brick. What I mentioned above is all I know about this object for now.

What led me to choose this object was the fact that here in South Africa, most buildings are constructed using this object.  It is simple but yet strong. Thus the title "Power of the brick". This blog aims to explore the power of the brick in various areas where it is used. From its history, facts, definitions, associated concepts and ideas, but most importantly, the bricks'social context.

The music video below is another aspect that relates to the object.

Artwork (CD cover) that shares the same values of a brick regarding the brick's social context. The CD cover design is based on my own interpretation of the brick in terms of its social context. 

Another brick in the wall CD cover

An artefact or design of own choice. 

Robert Harrison, Elementary Brick, WABA 2015 installation

Research questions.

The first question that emerged while busy researching was focused on the strength of a brick. As we all know, the brick is strong enough to be used as building material. Meaning that when one brick is stacked on another, it begins the process of creating a wall and From a wall to a building. This leads me to ask whether the brick is an object that represents progress in a social context. This can be seen from common phrases like "one brick at a time".

The second question that emerged was whether the brick is a revolutionary object. The brick can be seen as an object or tool that brings forth a revolution. A tool used to end or fight back against oppression. An example can be seen when there is a strike or riot. Usually objects mostly brick, are thrown at the police to hold them off or to express their frustration by throwing something at someone.

The last question looks at how weak the brick is. It has the power to build great things. Our homes, schools and places of employment. Though it is strong enough to do these things, it does not have the power to do these things on its own. It depends on someone to pick it up and use it. The question here is: "Is the brick useless until you use it"?. Now taking this in a social context, does it mean someone is useless until they are pushed to do something? In other words, you have so much potential but you're still stuck.