Exquisite corpse is a surrealist game in which participants collaborate to create morphed creatures. According to the Art Institute of Chicago it was invented in 1925 during a group meeting. They reimagined the kids' game called "head, body, legs," which is very similar, except it only uses human parts. The game starts by folding a piece of paper in thirds and letting a different member draw a body part (head, torso, and leg) without looking at what the other members previously drew. The results are strange or funny-looking creatures who can be then edited to adapt all parts together in a cohesive environment.
Materials
It is advised to use simple and permanent materials to start the game. You will need a half piece of paper per person, sharpies, crayons, and markers.
The idea of the sharpie will incite quick-decision making and allows participants to get the idea that they will need to work around mistakes instead of recurring to erasers. It is also important to give participants limited time to reinforce quick-decision making.
You will only need color once the creature is done. Color will be useful to unite the different parts, so they look like one creature instead of parts. Crayons and markers are quick and easy to use so everyone will feel comfortable with them, and you'll get quick results.
Step by step instructions
Present the idea as a whole and engage participants. Let them know the body parts don't need to be factual, they can be imaginary and surrealist.
Give each participant a half piece of paper and one sharpie.
Indicate to participants how to fold the paper. Allow them to first divide the paper into three equal parts by making marks.
They will use the first square to make the head and tuck in the rest of the paper. Give approximate 1-2 minutes to draw the head.
Remind them to fold the paper so that when they pass it down it is not visible to the next person. Draw two-line indicators to where the neck is into the torso square so that the next person on their right starts the torso following that guide.
After 1-2 minutes allow participants to fold the paper again so now only the last blank square is visible for the participant on his right to continue. Draw two lines on both sides on which the torso ends as a second guideline for the legs.
After 1-2 minutes indicate participants to unfold the paper and return the paper to whoever drew the head on that paper.
Let participants look at the creations and give them 5 minutes to color it and add some background so that the creature becomes one.
Once everyone is finished display all creations to see the fun and weird results!
Applications
This game is more than just a fun way to break the ice or provide introductions. In the Artsy Article on Exquisite Corpse activity, it is mentioned that the game provides "...free play, unpredictability, and collaboration", all elements of the surrealist style. It allows participants to relinquish some of the control they have over their work by letting other people complete parts of it without previous dialogue. It provides a means of collaboration and assessment. It is effective in a small format so that participants do not feel pressure and allow themselves to make mistakes and work with those mistakes.
References
Comentários