Surrealist Play Workshop
In the early 20th century, a group of artists called the Surrealists made visual art, literature, and theater inspired by humor, dreams, and randomness. Surrealist imagery combines and alters everyday objects in such a way that they become fantastic or unfamiliar. Surrealist artists played games alone and together to generate ideas for their artworks. Join us in letting your mind wander and embracing play to access your creativity!
Surrealist Games to Try at Home
Exquisite Corpse Two Ways
2 or more players
Fold a paper three times. The first person draws a head on the top part of the paper. Extend short lines from your drawing to the middle section of the paper so the next person knows where to start. The next person will draw the middle section of a figure, extending the lines into the bottom section. The next participant will draw the bottom part of a figure.
3 or more players
Fold a paper into 6 sections. The first person will write a sentence. The next person will draw what they read. Fold the paper so you only see the drawing. The next person will write a sentence inspired by the image. Fold the paper so that the next person only sees the sentence. Repeat.
Torn Paper Collage Process used by Hans Arp
1 player
Tear up a piece of paper into random shapes.
Drop the pieces of paper onto another piece of paper.
Glue them down.
You can continue to work on the collage with a pencil or paintbrush.
Automatic Writing
1 player
Put yourself in an open state of mind.
Start Writing.
Continue writing.
Do not think.
Write fast. As fast as you can.
If the flow stops, choose a random letter like “T.”
Start the next sentence with a “T.”
Keep going.
Oral Description of Objects Perceived by Touch
3 or more players
The player closes their eyes or is blindfolded. Touch an ordinary object and describe it. The description is recorded by a 2nd player. The 3rd player must draw the object based on the description. Compare the object to the drawing.
Prompts for Engaging with Surrealist Artworks
1. Find a line in a Surrealist artwork to focus on. Follow the line with your eyes. If the line were a pathway to a new world, where would it lead you? Draw or write a short description of the journey.
2. Some Surrealist artworks combine two ordinary images in an unusual way. Draw an object or scene within a drawing of an eye.
3. Draw or write a dream-like story combining three objects or figures from different Surrealist artworks. Write or draw quickly without thinking. Embrace the uncertainty.
4. Pick a Surrealist artwork to plan a party around. Who is this party for? What kind of music is playing there? What kind of food/dessert is served? Draw a picture of the party.