Strangers

A Game of Exquisite Corpse - Lili White (US) & Sam Weldon (UK)
EXQUISTE CORPSE, a game practiced by the original SURREALISTS, is a method by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence, either by following a rule or by being allowed to see only the end of what the previous person contributed. FOR our collaboration, we’d submit a photo/video, and the recipient would respond by picking up of something in that image, like color, shape, element, that they would include in their next submission. All were edited in the order that they were received.

Sam supplied the first image; Lili picked up on the color and shape of the “red” & the fox, and made a corresponding image. Sam took the white plane as her jumping off point to respond, and submitted the sweeping zoom to the white ocean and a light bulb that saw the ocean. Lili took the prongs in the bulb and found a similar shape in a flower, and then there was pink, etc, etc.

One Two Branch Tree - Paul Mbah (Nigeria) & Ed Woodham (US)
In this collaboration, U.S.-based artist Ed Woodham began first by sending Nigeria-based artist Paul Mbah a minimalist image of an empty glass on a white background with no explanation or text.

Paul responded with his imagery and these words:
“Your glass image made me reflect on emptiness as a phenomenon. I [created a] 'half full and half empty' visualization with the glass but connected it to strangely rendered images – that are a mix of collage and drawing. [These images] are representative of middle to lower-class Nigeria subtly hinting at how people in that demographic deal with emptiness – textbook examples being religion, consulting elders, following public icons, friendship, and romance. I generally wanted to comment on how divided the masses (at least the masses where I'm at) can be even though they feel the same type of 'emptiness' only in different forms”

Ed’s response
“Your added drawing, collage, and choices of iconography to illustrate the division in Nigeria reminded me of the similar polarization in the U.S. – and I imagine globally. Your addition and our final image prompted me to consider the meaning of an empty glass or cup more deeply. Even though the glass was empty, it still prompted the thought of 'half full or half empty'. So I researched to find that some cultures believe that an empty cup is seen as a sign of good luck and can signify abundance in the near future. In other traditions, an empty cup or glass is a symbol of spiritual emptiness. Further research revealed that dreaming of an empty cup often signifies a need for renewal, nourishment, and guidance – time to connect with our innermost being – to appreciate the present moment.”

Nature - Joanna Szeto (US) & Artist Joshe (India)
Telepathism and the seasons.

Under the Green - Judith T. Irwin (US) & Charlie Rudalavage (US)
The title for this piece of collaborative art is ‘Under the green’. This piece of art is painted on a 9 in by 12 in wooden frame and panel. Charlie Rudalavage from New York, New York has used acrylic paint to paint the image of the women with her magical pipe. After completing the painting he mailed the art to Judith T. Irwin from Berkeley California where she added manzanita branches, tillandsia (air plants), lace lichen and a few dried CA native buckwheat flowers.

Ancient Future - Renee O' Connell (US) & Fallen Pen (India)
"Step into a mesmerizing realm where the past and the future unite in a breathtaking dance of creativity. 'Ancient Future' is a captivating masterpiece born from the collaboration between visionary artists Renee and Fallen Pen. Immerse yourself in the fusion of age-old Native American collage elements meticulously crafted by Renee, and seamlessly digitized by the Fallen Pen. This unique artistic endeavor celebrates the convergence of tradition and technology, inviting you to witness the harmonious marriage of traditional artistry and the limitless possibilities of the digital medium. This masterpiece is a testament to the power of collaboration and determination. The fusion of classic Native American collage techniques with cutting-edge digital artistry is a true marvel, showcasing the beauty of yesteryears intertwined with the possibilities of tomorrow. With each stroke of the virtual brush, the dedication and passion of these artists shine through, as they overcame challenges and setbacks to birth a true work of art. 'Ancient Future' not only captures the essence of merging art forms, but it also encapsulates the spirit of teamwork, patience, and unwavering commitment. Delve into a world where creativity knows no boundaries, and where the journey itself becomes a masterpiece of its own.

Prepare to be enchanted as 'Ancient Future' transports you into a world where heritage meets innovation, leaving you captivated by the beauty of the past, present, and what lies ahead"

Smile and Cry of Woman - Vera Campion (US) & Ellis Oyekola (Nigeria)
Smile of Woman is Vera's response to Ellis's Cry of Woman.

Two Strangers Meet at a Cafe - Tamara Safford (US) & Dana Morgan Gillett (US)
Two Strangers Meet at a Cafe is a very colorful, mixed medium presentation, almost as if Picasso and Matisse created it together. The mediums in this piece are collaging, ink, watercolor, and acrylics. We edited it our original artwork to merge our compositions together.

Igbo-York: The World and Its Thirst - Izadora Chinyere Izuogo (Nigeria) & Harley Spiller (US)
Izadora and Harley enjoyed working together and merging their artistic practices. After coming to an agreement via email exchange, Harley photographed a selection of his bottlecap collection, leaving plenty of space, and emailed that image to Izadora, who painted and added the subtitle to their collaborative Igbo-York artwork. Most bottlecaps are blue, because water is the most common drink - yet clean water is all too often inaccessible. The artists fervently believe everyone should be able to drink clean water to their heart's content.

Ours - Gala Tomasso (Ireland) & Olivia Beens (US)

Stranger Cats Converse - Mare Johnston (US) & Stewart Wilson (US)
Mare: After quickly identifying playfulness as a shared value, paired with our mutual love of cats, I found the creative volley of ideas with Stewart enjoyable, having a familiar, improvisational ease. My drawing was made using gel pen and marker on paper, and further manipulated in Procreate.
Stewart: Mare and I played through the medium of our cats. The whimsy and humor was a rewarding journey of collaboration. My drawing was colored pencils manipulated through Photoshop.

Highway 61 Subconscious - Eric Hammer (US) & Chester Davis (US)
Friend Peter and I had barrelled down Highway 61 for days. The Minnesota landscape gave way to mid America and the South. Places like Crossroads where Robert Johnson had fathered the blues in Clarksdale. At one point, after a rest stop, I reentered the vehicle. Peter got exceptional quiet as I drove and my own thoughts dominated me. I broke the heavy silence with song then stories, but Peter wouldn't respond...Peter wasn't there. Just....gone. Odd I thought. A melancholy found me. Had Peter just abandoned me? I drove on and entered and a mystical forested are. Was it the long drive or was Peter actually trying to communicate/hook up with me from the forest. I though he had looked great except for his color being off. But there he reappeared in the streaking forest like he was back in his chair still commentating on NBC which he does-or once did. I eventually reached Mussel Shoals and recorded there after I wrote a song about Peter getting lost in the woods.

Moya Devine (US) & Jason Guest (UK)
A short animation combining artworks by both artists which also serves as a memorial to Moya's dog Maggie.