Surrealism Workshop Review

Surrealist Technique Workshop

Our first virtual event of this year, a Surrealist technique workshop, was this week! Jen, our lovely VP, ran us through the history of the Surrealist Movement, and a variety of techniques developed and used by these artists.

Firstly, decalcomania, in which you squeeze paint between two surfaces, creating beautiful textures and unexpected results, which can either form artworks in themselves, or you can add to them, and be inspired by the abstract shapes! Jen also talked us through the Exquisite Corpse, which is similar to (and perhaps the origins of) the game consequences, where you create a figure with multiple participants, each drawing part of a figure, unaware of what the one before has made. She mentioned that while in lockdown, this could be a fun activity to do virtually, or that it could be made into a game for yourself. Finally, the technique of frottage, where you make rubbings of different textures is an ideal way to explore mundane objects, and again to inspire and spark your creativity. Ella (our endlessly talented Pres) demonstrated the techniques live for us, creating the some beautiful artworks, showing us how infinitely adaptable these ideas are, and how regardless of what materials you have at your disposal, you can draw on the Surrealists’ work to make your own art.

It was such a lovely opportunity to make some art with others as well, however distanced we may be! With the background of artsoc’s favourite tunes, we all had a go at these techniques together for a while, and went away with lots of ideas to think about and experiment with. It was lovely to see everyone who came along, but even if you didn’t make it, maybe have a go at these techniques nonetheless!

Caroline Ip

Rejoice, Return, Reunion

Feature Fridays | Nick Kolobov