Exquisite Corpse

Ernest Gusella

1978 | 00:08:23 | United States | English | B&W and Color | Silent |

Collection: Single Titles

The "exquisite corpse" named in the title of this piece refers to a favorite game of the Surrealists, played by passing a folded sheet of paper among a group; each person draws one section of a body on the folded segment without looking at the other sides. What was done with pen and paper, Gusella accomplishes electronically using the VideoLab. Utilizing quick, voltage-controlled live switching between two cameras, Gusella approximates composite images. For examples, his torso appears to combine with a close-up of his face. The perceptual effect is mesmerizing and disorienting.

This title is only available on Surveying the First Decade: Volume 2.

 




Exhibitions + Festivals

Light Industry, Touch Touch Touch Touch Feel, April 28 2009