The Exquisite Corpse
Let's make something together (No. 01)
The exquisite corpse is a game (of sorts) where people collaborate to make some form of art that’s completely unique. Allegedly, ‘cadavre exquis’, or ‘exquisite cadaver’ began amongst surrealists in France in the early 1900’s. The result is sometimes strange, sometimes deeply moving, sometimes total nonsense - how exhilarating! Regardless of the outcome, I’m eager to see what we can create together.
Some backstory: a (bit of a nutty) professor introduced me to this idea during an undergrad class. It was presented as a drawing practice, but I was quickly hooked and liked the idea of combining drawing and writing, each person taking a turn, without being able to see/read what was previously added. I tried it with a few groups of friends over the years and figured it would be fun to try it here. For this format we’ll stick to writing, each adding a line to create a shared story or poem. It might strike inspiration or not, be a hit or a dud, but it will certainly be an interesting experiment.
How to play:
Note the theme. It’ll always be general and open-ended. Hopefully just enough to get us started. This time around the theme is: heatwave.
Without reading every response, scroll to the most recent comment (it should be at the bottom of the list - if not, sort “oldest first”) and read only the last word or so. Then, add your own part to continue the piece. It’s that simple. Of course, this only works when people contribute their ideas, so be sure to share this post with folks who you think will play along.
As a note: I’m planning to make this a regular practice, so check back often (or subscribe) and jump in anytime! There’s no good or bad contribution, don’t think too much, and just do it. (As Nike would say. The company, not the Goddess - though they probably get confused themselves sometimes, huh?) Anyway, once it feels complete - in whatever sense - I’ll share the final piece in my notes and tag all collaborators.
Will you join us?
Add your idea in the comments below!
Burnt honey and the faint scent of apples was all that was left.
left is a direction i often walk in, instead of right, when i have time to wander a new place without being led by anything in particular. why left? i do not know, although i have to make sure i don’t walk in a square and therefore over and over and over, getting hotter and hotter, in the midday sun.