Exquisite corpse: the folded-paper drawing game
Looking for the drawing game where you fold the paper and pass it on? In exquisite corpse, each person adds to a drawing while earlier contributions stay hidden. A creature made of a head, body and legs is a simple way to try it.
How to play on paper
Take a sheet of paper and a pencil, and gather two or three people. Fold the sheet across its width into three sections, then unfold it before you begin.
- In the top section, draw a head. Let two short neck lines reach just into the middle section.
- Fold the top section behind the paper so the head is hidden and only the joining lines show. Pass it on.
- The next player draws a body in the middle section, starting at the neck lines. Leave a small hint of where the legs should join.
- Hide the middle section and pass again. The last turn adds legs and feet in the bottom section.
- Unfold the sheet and look at the whole character together.
Keep enough hidden to make it a surprise
The small joining lines help the next person connect their part without revealing your idea. Avoid explaining the head or body as you pass it over. A serious robot face can end up on a fuzzy belly and tiny bird legs.
For two players, take turns across the three sections; one person will draw twice. Swap who starts on the next sheet. If you have a larger group, split into pairs or trios and compare the finished drawings at the end.
Play the same kind of drawing game on iPhone or iPad
Monster Maker brings this hidden-part drawing idea to one shared device or to online turns with friends. Choose two or three players, draw the head, body and legs, and reveal the monster after the final part.
On a shared iPhone or iPad, your part folds away before you hand over the device. The app also keeps completed monsters in a gallery, so you can name them and share the result. You can use a finger, or an Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Give the next round a theme
Try friendly aliens, underwater creatures or imaginary pets. A theme gives everyone somewhere to start while leaving room for mismatched details. You can also leave the theme open and discover what each person had in mind only when you unfold the page.
Learn about exquisite corpse at MoMA
Questions about the game
Do we need the app to play exquisite corpse?
No. Paper and pencils are enough for the traditional drawing activity. The app is another way to keep parts hidden, take turns and save the finished creatures.
Why leave lines at the fold?
They show the next player where to connect a body or legs without showing the drawing above. Only a little of each joining line needs to remain visible.