Exquisite Installation
Since the invention of the exquisite corpse by the Surrealists in the early 20th century, artists have been using this technique for various collaborations. It began as a game with sentences. One player began writing, then folded the paper and passed it to the next player. Not being allowed to look at the previous writing, the next player wrote and so on. The end result was not shown until all players had participated. This game was then adapted to drawing figures. One artist would draw the head and fold the paper leaving just a small portion for the next to connect to. This would continue until the entire figure was drawn. While this idea began with drawing, artists have used this technique in various ways: drawing and collage, music, film, novels, theatre, and even virtual worlds. One constant factor in any of these variations is that every artist uses the same medium.
This exhibition features 7 Bloomington-based artists that work in various media: Mike Burchfield, Ross Haughton, Terrence Heldreth, Eric Hunt, Dave Rowe, Jeremy Sweet, Suzanne Wyss. The Fuller Projects space was split into 7 sections, each assigned to one artist. Once the first artist completed their section, it was covered, leaving only a small fraction of the work revealed for the next artist. From installation to sculpture to painting, these artists were challenged to create a connection between vastly different styles of making art. While each artist came to the gallery with a specific idea for their installation, it was unknown to them what the previous artist had left. Decisions were made quickly as they were given 24 hours to install their work and create a connection to the previous artist.
The result of these guidelines shows the thought process of each artist in the way they interact with another artist’s work. Some artists physically connected their work with another’s, while others chose to repeat design elements, such as line and color. The exhibition in its final state also reveals the vast array of artistic styles and processes occurring in Bloomington.
This exhibition features 7 Bloomington-based artists that work in various media: Mike Burchfield, Ross Haughton, Terrence Heldreth, Eric Hunt, Dave Rowe, Jeremy Sweet, Suzanne Wyss. The Fuller Projects space was split into 7 sections, each assigned to one artist. Once the first artist completed their section, it was covered, leaving only a small fraction of the work revealed for the next artist. From installation to sculpture to painting, these artists were challenged to create a connection between vastly different styles of making art. While each artist came to the gallery with a specific idea for their installation, it was unknown to them what the previous artist had left. Decisions were made quickly as they were given 24 hours to install their work and create a connection to the previous artist.
The result of these guidelines shows the thought process of each artist in the way they interact with another artist’s work. Some artists physically connected their work with another’s, while others chose to repeat design elements, such as line and color. The exhibition in its final state also reveals the vast array of artistic styles and processes occurring in Bloomington.