The excellent corpses

The Surrealist movement of the 20th century was notorious for its exploration of the subconscious mind and its rejection of conventional artistic norms. One of the most intriguing practices within Surrealism was the creation of “exquisite .” These collaborative drawings or writings beautifully showcased the philosophy of Surrealism while also pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. This article aims to delve into the history, process, and significance of these excellent corpses.

The term “exquisite corpse” was coined by Surrealist artists André Breton and Jacques Prévert and derives from the French phrase “cadavre exquis.” The name itself encapsulates the whimsical and mysterious nature of the practice. To create an exquisite corpse, artists would take turns contributing different parts of a drawing or writing without seeing what their predecessors added. The result would be a collective piece, often bizarre and fascinating, reflecting the creativity and unconscious playfulness of the participants.

The exquisite corpse drawings often involved folding a piece of paper multiple times, with each artist only able to see a small portion of what was previously drawn. This fragmentation and disjointedness added to the overall surrealist aesthetic. The artists embraced the unexpected and harnessed the power of chance to bring forth collages of shapes, figures, and forms that defied traditional representation.

While exquisite corpses were primarily visual creations, they also extended to the realm of literature. Surrealist writers would take turns writing lines or paragraphs, building upon the words of the previous contributors. This method resulted in narratives that were discontinuous, nonsensical, and often dreamlike. These exquisite corpse writings reinforced the Surrealists’ belief in the irrationality of human , striving to tap into the subconscious mind to uncover new and unconventional truths.

The process of creating an exquisite corpse was as intriguing as the final art piece itself. Surrealist artists would often gather in cafes or artistic societies where they would collaborate on these works. Playing this artistic game allowed them to let go of conscious control and embrace the power of spontaneity and randomness. It was an act of collective liberation from societal constraints and a rebellion against the rationality imposed on creativity.

The significance of exquisite corpses lies not only in their innovative approach to art-making but also in their ability to demonstrate the spirit of collaboration that was central to the Surrealist movement. By combining the creative energy of multiple individuals, the process transcended individual artistic egos and allowed for a collective expression of the subconscious. Exquisite corpses symbolized the unity and interconnectedness of Surrealist artists and their shared desire to challenge societal norms and explore the depths of the human psyche.

Although the exquisite corpse practice flourished during the Surrealist movement of the 1920s and 1930s, its influence extends to the present-day. Artists and writers continue to experiment with similar collaborative techniques, finding inspiration in the Surrealists’ rejection of artistic conventions and their embrace of the unknown. The art world acknowledges the profound impact of this Surrealist practice, as it has paved the way for new forms of collective creativity in a wide range of artistic disciplines.

In conclusion, the exquisite corpses of the Surrealist movement remain a testament to the unfettered imagination and collaborative spirit of the artists involved. These whimsical creations, whether drawings or writings, reflect the Surrealists’ fascination with the subconscious mind and their rejection of traditional artistic norms. By embracing chance and the power of collective creation, exquisite corpses became a window into the absurd and a celebration of the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.