Exquisite Corpse

Man Ray

Created:
Movement:
1928
Surrealism
key Notes:
Surrealist Collaboration Fragmented Imagery
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Dimensions:
36.2 × 23.1 cm (14 5/16 × 9 1/8 in.)
medium:
Pen and black ink, and graphite with smudging, with colored pencils and colored crayons on tan wove paper
story of the work:

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Exquisite Corpse by Man Ray (1928)

The painting titled "Exquisite Corpse" by Man Ray, created in 1928, exemplifies the Surrealist technique of collaborative creation. This work, made using pen and black ink, graphite with smudging, colored pencils, and colored crayons on tan wove paper, reflects the playful and experimental spirit of the Surrealist movement. The technique of "Exquisite Corpse" involves multiple artists contributing to a single composition without seeing the preceding contributions, resulting in unexpected and often fantastical imagery.

Man Ray, an influential figure in both the Dada and Surrealist movements, was known for his innovative approaches to art, including photography, painting, and film. His involvement in the Surrealist movement was marked by a desire to explore the unconscious mind and challenge conventional perceptions of reality. "Exquisite Corpse" not only highlights Man Ray's commitment to these ideals but also underscores the collaborative nature of Surrealism, which sought to break down traditional boundaries between artists and their audiences.

Description of the work:

"Exquisite Corpse" by Man Ray, created in 1928, is a surrealist artwork that employs the collaborative drawing technique known as the "cadavre exquis," where multiple artists contribute to a single composition without seeing the others' contributions. The piece is crafted using pen and black ink, graphite with smudging, and colored pencils and crayons on tan wove paper, reflecting the playful and experimental nature of the Surrealist movement.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Exquisite Corpse