Exquisite Corpse may sound like a creepy movie title, but it's actually a party game you've probably played! The game started as an artistic experiment in the 1920s and has since become a favorite at gatherings worldwide. With its wildly unpredictable results, Exquisite Corpse is all about tapping into your imagination while having fun—everything we love here at Paintvine!
A Game Born from Surrealism
The Surrealists, known for their dreamlike and unexpected creations, sought to unlock the unconscious mind and break free from conventional artistic rules. Meeting at a house in Paris, creatives like André Breton and Yves Tanguy devised the game as a way to spark unexpected ideas.
The game itself was inspired by an old writing game called Consequences, in which players took turns writing a sentence, folding the paper to hide their contribution, and passing it along for the next person to continue. The Surrealists transformed this concept into a visual art game, with each participant drawing a section of a figure—head, torso, or legs—without seeing what came before.
The game’s unusual name comes from one of its first results: "Le cadavre exquis boira le vin nouveau"—or "The exquisite corpse shall drink the new wine." The phrase, as bizarre as the game itself, stuck, and Exquisite Corpse went on to become a favorite among artists and partygoers alike.
Famous Players and Artistic Evolution
Exquisite Corpse quickly became a favorite among artists and writers. Henry Miller played it in French cafés during the 1930s, and Frida Kahlo created Exquisite Corpse artworks with Lucienne Bloch in 1932, including one titled Frida and another Diego.
Over time, Exquisite Corpse moved beyond Surrealist circles and into mainstream culture. Today, it is a popular party game, enjoyed by both artists and casual doodlers alike. Its unpredictable results make it a fantastic tool for sparking creativity, breaking artistic blocks, and bringing people together in a fun, low-pressure way.
How to Play Exquisite Corpse
Want to try this legendary game for yourself? It’s easy!
You’ll need:
- A piece of paper
- A pen or pencil
- 2 or more players
Instructions:
- Fold the paper into thirds so that each section is hidden when folded - like you would fold a letter!
- The first player draws a head in the top section, making sure to extend the neck lines slightly over the fold so the next player knows where to start. Then they fold it over so it’s hidden and pass it to the next player.
- The second player draws a torso in the middle section, then folds it over and passes it along.
- The third player draws the legs and feet in the final section.
- Once completed, unfold the paper to reveal the surprise collaboration!
This is a great game for parties, family game nights, entertaining the kids during school holidays, or just for a creative warm-up. It’s a wonderful reminder that art doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun, and that sometimes, the best ideas come from the most unexpected places.
At Paintvine, we believe that everyone can be creative, and games like Exquisite Corpse are an amazing way to explore that creativity. So grab some friends, some paper, and get drawing—who knows what wild and wonderful characters you’ll create!
Pictured is Cadavre Exquis, Nude by Yves Tanguy, Joan Miró, Max Morise, Man Ray (Emmanuel Radnitzky), 1926–27
