Subjective Color: Exquisite Corpse

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

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

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?

--How do subjective color choices impact the final character of the project?

--Do the colors "harmonize"...or are they "dissonant?" Does the final color scheme reinforce or distract from the idea of the final image?

--Do you find these colors influenced by culture or societal reasons? If so, name them specifically.

--Why do you think so many students have come up with "______" as a favorite/ disliked color?

Notebook

Include the notes from the group that evaluated your project in your notebook.

Return to UNIT I Overview

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	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	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? --How do subjective color choices impact the final character of the project? --Do the colors "harmonize"...or are they "dissonant?" Does the final color scheme reinforce or distract from the idea of the final image? --Do you find these colors influenced by culture or societal reasons? If so, name them specifically. --Why do you think so many students have come up with "______" as a favorite/ disliked color?
Notebook	Include the notes from the group that evaluated your project in your notebook.