For some, the idea of magic suggests fantasy and illusion, while for others it signals a license to practice deception.
Magic Show, a Hayward
Touring exhibition which runs at Blackpool's Grundy Art Gallery from February 13 to April 11
considers how visual artists often adopt the perception-shifting
tactics of the theatrical magician to explore questions of creat
ive agency, the power of suggestion, and the fragility of belief.
Curated by artist Jonathan Allen and writer Sally O'Reilly, the exhibition includes work by 24
international artists, with new commissions and performances, and an archive of historical posters, curious props and off-beat ephemera from the world of
theatrical magic.
This Blackpool showing, which coincides with the Blackpool Magic Convention (www.blackpoolmagic.com) and the Showzam! festival will include an ambitious new work, commissioned by the Grundy, from Berlin based artist Sinta Werner whose site-specific architectural interruptions create disorienting and illogical
experiences.
Exhibition preview event:
Friday February 12 at 3.30pm
Exhibition curators Jonathan Allen and Sally O'Reilly will introduce their ideas behind the exhibition, followed by a performance from Socialist magician Ian Saville.
The commissioned work by Sinta Werner has been made
possible by the support of Goethe-Institut, London, The Henry Moore Foundation, and the
National Lottery through Arts Council England.
