The Humbug Strikes Back: Reflecting on Tony Oursler's "Creature Features"
Ross Karlan, Director of Art Muse LA & Miami
In my recent exploration of the Boca Raton Museum of Art's engaging exhibition "Smoke and Mirrors," I was intrigued by how the show skillfully illustrated the connections between contemporary art and themes of trickery, fraud, and deception. This connection resonated with me on a personal level, as both a curator and educator of contemporary art and a practitioner of magic and illusions.
Considering magic as an art form extends beyond mere performance; it encompasses various aesthetics in design, fashion, and the creation of objects designed for illusion and trickery. The exhibition, particularly Tony Oursler's works, delves into the historical context of the late 19th century and the emergence of the "humbug," offering a unique perspective on magic history.
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