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Musician Brian Eno and painter Peter Schmidt created this set of general constraints for overcoming creative blocks in 1975. Here are a few examples out of about 135 cards.
- Ask your body /
- Be dirty /
- Be extravagant /
- Breathe more deeply /
- Cascades /
- Convert a melodic element into a rhythmic element /
- Decorate, decorate /
The above selection might be the most performable of the set. Most of the cards provide a much more indirect inspiration. Despite not forming any system, Oblique Strategies may still be called rule-cards, because the only content of each is an imperative statement. The cards are most probably intended for an individual, but are possible to use in group activities too.
External site
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Oblique Strategies | Brian Eno Peter Schmidt | 1975 sold |
Traditionally used in the studio this deck is now the classic of a rule cards genre |
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