Exquisite Corpse I (#14)

12” x 40” · mixed media on canvas

Artists have long used the format of the “exquisite corpse” to bring their work together on a single surface, in a way where each artist is free to work entirely in his/her own style, while still maintaining a sense of continuity in the finished product.

In this process, one artist starts by painting a portion at one end of the canvas. Then s/he masks off the painting, leaving just a narrow strip of transition area exposed for the following artist to work off of. The canvas is passed along from artist to artist, and when the last artist reaches the end of the canvas, the previous stages are unwrapped, and like a birthday present, the complete work is revealed. The final results always deliver an uncanny, pleasant surprise.

Artists

· Pacha
· Anne Stahl
· Carol Paquet
· Stephen Olson
· Ellen Jewett