The Paper Game

Materials:

1. Friends

2. Paper

3.Writing Utensils

Instructions:

Grab a couple friends, about 6 pieces of paper each, and pens for everyone.
Everyone begins by writing a descriptive sentence on the first piece of paper on their pile. The game continues by passing the pile to the friend on the left. After reading the first sentence, the person will draw an image on the second sheet of paper based on what they read. Again, passing the pile along, the next friend will write a sentence based off the picture...and so on and so forth until the pile is finished.



This is a fun game to play with friends or use as a warm up in an art class!
Inspired from the surrealist readings in class, I had the realization this would be a great game for students to get their minds and creativity flowing. It is an easy way to get students talking about each others work. If they think someone created a funny sentence or if someones drawing was spot on! They can compare images and sentences after the game is over and see if anyone drew or wrote the same thing.

After this game students can stay in their groups and work on a collaborative final project. By comparing sentences and drawings created in the game, students can choose favorites or specific details that catch their attention. Together they can create a collage or painting incorporating text and images. This game can come to life in a narrative form or through a well thought out composition.

The Paper game is a combination of Automatic Writing and Chain Games.
"Automatic writing is the most direct of Surrealist techniques." This technique forces you to write down whatever it is you think quickly. No time to second guess yourself.
Chain games can be played by anyone. They are "strange conjunctions, humorous or poetic" that result in an interesting final product.