El Cadáver Exquisito: Reflejos del Alma Mexicana
November 22nd – December 20th
Gallery located at Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia
The “Exquisite Corpse” (also known as “Exquisite Cadaver” or “Cadavre exquis”) is a technique consisting on collectively assembling words and images. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence, by being allowed to see only a small section of what the previous person contributed.
The first artist paints a space divided in three parts (sky, horizon and surface), with his/her personal style and technique. After having covered this first part, only the last lineal centimeter of the painting is left uncovered on the right side. The next artist then paints his/her section starting from the visible space, following the same rules.
This technique was invented by surrealists Robert Desnos, Paul Eluard, André Bretón and Tristan Tzara in 1925. The first section represents life, the middle section represents love and the last section represents death (three aspects that are constantly present in the Mexican culture).
The collected works of the original canvas will be cut and returned to its creator, and thus to be unveiled by the same author at the opening reception. Each artist will then mount his/her work on wood frames separately. At the exhibition, the audience will appreciate the thematic of the collection; in addition, to the continuity of one painting to the next one.
To complement this exhibition, each artist will bring three to four paintings of their own collection.
For more information, please go to: http://mexicofest.ca/