8.25” X 11.75”, soft cover, 21 pages.

“Exquisite Corpse” The Exhibition featuring a collaboration of works created by NY-based artists Abraham Cruz, William van Roden, Jason O’Malley, Anita Ragusa, Raul Castro-Cerrato, Sergey Vershin, and Nicole Becher.

The game “exquisite corpse” (from the original French term cadavre exquis, literally exquisite cadaver), is a method that collectively assembles words or images created by collaborators. These collaborators add to a composition in sequence. As described by MoMA, it is a game in which each participant takes turns writing or drawing on a sheet of paper, folding it to conceal their contribution, and then passing it to the next player for another addition. The game gained popularity in artistic circles during the 1920s when it was adopted as a technique by artists of the Surrealist movement to generate collaborative compositions.

The exhibit follows the journey of seven artists/collaborators with one rooted seed—queer culture: past, present, and future. In this exhibit, the artist will present their journey as members of the queer community and the visual representation of a collaborative journey through the game “Exquisite Corpse.”

To create each piece, the artist followed the guidelines of the original game. The collaborators exchanged works of art in a sequential order and concealed what was created and passed it on to the next artist. To add a unique take on the game, the artists also collaborated on diptychs. The diptychs break all the rules of the game, and each artist was able to see what the previous artist had created, allowing for reaction, rearrangement, and reconfiguration of the previous contribution. The two works show how the artists influence and inspire each other through this journey.

The exhibition will feature a diverse range of mediums, including painting, drawing, and mixed media, all unified by queer culture and curated by Abraham Cruz. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the artist’s visions, delve into their creative process, and experience the stories behind each piece.

The works challenge conventions and transport viewers into an imaginative realm. Truly a remarkable experience that art enthusiasts will not want to miss.

The “Exquisite Corpse” art show will open its doors to the public on September 29, 2023, at the Everett & Treadwell building, located at 33 Canfield Street, Kingston NY 12401. The show will run through October 29, 2023.