Houdini: Art and Magic at the Jewish Museum

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Richard Kaufman
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Houdini: Art and Magic at the Jewish Museum

Postby Richard Kaufman » October 20th, 2010, 9:38 pm

This exhibit is opening in New York soon. Below find the press release as well as two related events!

HOUDINI: ART AND MAGIC
October 29, 2010 through March 27, 2011

Born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, Harry Houdini (1874-1926), the renowned magician and escape artist, was the son of a rabbi who immigrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1878. Houdini was one of the 20th centurys most famous performers. His gripping theatrical presentations and heart-stopping outdoor spectacles attracted unprecedented crowds, and his talent for self-promotion and provocation captured headlines on both sides of the Atlantic. The Jewish Museum will present the first major art museum exhibition to examine Houdinis life, legend, and enduring cultural influence. Through 163 objects, including 26 recent works of art inspired by Houdini, exhibition visitors will be able to explore the career and legacy of the celebrated entertainer while considering his lasting impact on contemporary art and culture. Works in a variety of media by such artists as Matthew Barney, Jane Hammond, Vik Muniz, and Raymond Pettibon will be on view along with historic photographs; dramatic Art Nouveau-era posters and broadsides; theater ephemera; and archival and silent films. Magic apparatus rarely exhibited together handcuffs, shackles, straitjacket, a milk can and a packing trunk will be showcased in the context of their original presentation. A recreation of the famous Water Torture Cell (much of the original was destroyed in a fire in 1995) will also be on view. Two of Houdinis private diaries, never before shown in a public exhibition, will be displayed. Visitors will learn about his evolution from a fledging circus performer in the 1890s, to a stage magician at the turn-of-the 20th century, to a daring escape artist in the early 1900s, and a world-famous celebrity who commanded a mass audience. Following its New York City showing, Houdini: Art and Magic will travel to Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA (April 28 September 4, 2011); Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, CA (September 30, 2011 January 16, 2012); and Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison, WI (February 11 May 13, 2012).


Thursday, November 11, 6:30 pm
Panel Discussion
CONJURING HOUDINI IN THE POPULAR IMAGINATION
Karal Ann Marling, George Schindler, Dorothy Dietrich and Kenneth Silverman

Tickets: $15 general public; $12 students/over 65; $10 Jewish Museum members

Thursday, November 18, 6:30 pm
Conversation
INSPIRED BY HOUDINI: E.L. DOCTOROW
E. L. Doctorow and Alan Brinkley

Tickets: $15 general public; $12 students/over 65; $10 Jewish Museum members

INFORMATION HOTLINE
To reach the Museum's offices, call: 212.423.3200.

ONLINE INFORMATION
http://www.thejewishmuseum.org

NEW MUSEUM HOURS

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 11:00 am to 5:45 pm

Thursday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

Friday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Wednesday CLOSED

CLOSED major legal and Jewish holidays
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John M. Dale
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Re: Houdini: Art and Magic at the Jewish Museum

Postby John M. Dale » October 21st, 2010, 12:29 am

I already have September 26, 2011 - January 15, 2012 entered in my calendar for the San Francisco exhibition of this at the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

JMD

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Dustin Stinett
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Re: Houdini: Art and Magic at the Jewish Museum

Postby Dustin Stinett » October 21st, 2010, 12:51 am

Its not their calendar yet, but Ive heard that the Houdini exhibit at the Skirball Center will be part of a larger one on Jewish magicians.

Dustin

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JohnCox
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Re: Houdini: Art and Magic at the Jewish Museum

Postby JohnCox » October 24th, 2010, 7:31 pm

The LA and SF tour dates have changed (slightly). I've created a special page for this exhibition on my website and will update with all the latest.

http://www.houdini-lives.com/Houdini_Li ... ition.html
Visit my blog Wild About Harry

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JohnCox
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Re: Houdini: Art and Magic at the Jewish Museum

Postby JohnCox » November 5th, 2010, 12:14 pm

There is now an App for this exhibition. $2.99, but it's pretty cool!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/houdini- ... 27808?mt=8
Visit my blog Wild About Harry


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