Color UNIT I: Subjective Color
Project ID |
Exquisite Corpse
|
Objectives |
Formal/Aesthetic: To consider and apply "subjective" color choices. To gain experience in adapting constraints such as format and materials. Conceptual: To explore collaborative problem solving and brainstorming techniques. Technical: To introduce the studio fundamentals of brush care, basic color mixing, and application of acrylic paint. |
Project Overview |
"Le cadavre exquis boira le vin nouveau." With these words began the experimental art form known as the "Exquisite Corpse." The tradition of the "Exquisite Corpse" dates back to literary forms now popularized as a "Mad Lib". The idea is based on an old parlour game wherein the collaborators are given limited information and must create a story. The results can vary from the absurd to the profound. In our version, the technique is a visual collaboration between three or more artists who divide up depiction of the head, arms/torso and legs of a creature-creation. As part of a collaborative team, you will create your own "exquisite corpse" based on the idea of the fragmented body. |
Project References
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Artists: Marcel Duchamp, Gala and Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, Man Ray, Yves Tanguy, Remedios Varo. Movements: Dada, The Surrealists. Textbook: Stewart, Mary, Launching the Imagination (sections on "Divergent Thinking" and "Brainstorming", pp. 135 - 137). |
Vocabulary | Subjective color, format, Surrealism, brainstorming, collaboration, exquisite corpse. |
Materials |
sketch
pad, bristol board, acrylic paints, brushes. |
Process | Part
I: Group Drawing exercise The class is divided into groups of threes and each student selects the word for a body part out of a hat. Each group divides a sheet of drawing paper into three equal parts. Each student draws an image based in their assigned body part: head, arms/torso, and legs. Upon completing the drawing, the student folds the paper over to keep the segment a secret from their partners. The "edges" of the drawings of these body parts (where they intersect the folds) is meant to be used as a mere guide. Individual choices will be based on whatever comes to mind at the moment. Part II: Group Painting exercise Based on the group drawing, create a painting based on the images you devised. Use a half-sheet of your Bristol pad. For each segment you will each paint the creation in: *colors you like (3 or more) *colors you dislike (3 or more) Name these colors in order to describe and personalize them. You can divide up each body segment in any combination your group agrees upon. But remember what you did and why you chose to do it! |
Critique Ideas
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Have your group evaluate three projects that were produced by students outside of your group. Discuss the following: --Did the groups arrive at unexpected
outcomes? Or were they somewhat predictable, even with the "exquisite
corpse" technique? |
Notebook
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Include the notes from the group that evaluated your project in your notebook. |
The above is based on a project by Dain Q Gore, copyright 2008.