"No Cash (Pelican, Turtle, Cockroach)"
Acrylic on reclaimed wood, 15 x 21 inches, 2023
This work draws inspiration from the Surrealist game exquisite corpse, where each participant takes turns writing or drawing on a sheet of paper, folding it to conceal their contribution, and passing it along for another to add. Popularized in the 1920s, this collaborative technique became a favored method for Surrealist artists to create unexpected, dreamlike compositions.
Though not born from a literal round of the game, these paintings channel its spirit, merging disparate animal forms into fantastical, hybrid carousel creatures. Each creature is presented alongside fictional signage, evoking the mysterious and enchanting atmosphere of this surreal, imaginary ride.
All images copyright Doug Bennett