COVER: The Art of Magic
Conjuring, when presented properly, is much more than merely showing tricks or puzzles. It can attain the status of not only a performing art, but of "art" in the broader sense. A creation in a specific medium that makes the viewer experience the world in a new way, perhaps exploring universal beliefs or attempting to connect with a personal, emotional outlook. And while it is possible for magic to become art, the reverse is true as well: art can become magic. From an impressionist painting that defines a glimpsed moment in time to a surrealist landscape that morphs into faces or bodies, art can trick us into seeing that which we did not believe could be captured. In the past, MAGIC has often focused on magicians and tricks that have been depicted in art - not merely the colorful posters advertising coming performances by globe-trotting magicians, but less common tributes as well. Here are brief glimpses at some of the artists of today who not only walk the line between magic and art, but freely jump back and forth across that boundary - art created by magicians of magicians.
By Alan Howard Pleasing the Masses
How does a wildly creative close-up magician, who has invented tricks with gummy bears, popsicles, candy bars, and tan lines, end up a successful stand-up comedy mentalist living in Flushing, Michigan? Ask Nathan Kranzo.
By Gabe Fajuri Sweet Sixteen
A feature on sixteen magicians in their teens seemed to tie-in nicely with our sixteenth-year anniversary issue. As it turned out, that was painfully limiting because our announcement that we were seeking appropriate candidates brought in dozens upon dozens of pictures, stories, DVDs, videos, and Internet links. Narrowing the field was truly challenging; there are so many outstanding young performers throughout the world that the elimination process was, quite frankly, heartbreaking. The future of magic is, indeed, in good hands. If the evidence collected here over the past few months is any indication, we may be seeing the emergence of the most skilled generation of magical artists ever. We found numerous teenaged magicians who we thought deserved to be acknowledged. Those who were chosen were picked not only for their onstage skills but, in several cases, for putting their skills to use for the community. Here is our suite of sixteen outstanding, inspiring, rising stars of magic.
By Rory Johnston A Hundred Down Under
A review of the centenary celebration of the Australian Society of Magicians, which now is the fourth oldest magic society in the world. The convention took place July 7-9.
By Brian McCullagh Why Colin Underwood is King of the Mall
If you haven't heard of Colin Underwood before, it's because this 47-year-old South African has been delighting primarily local audiences, with only occasional forays into Europe and the Middle East. He's been performing for the past thirty years, twenty-five of which have been as a full-time professional. He is a two-time South African comedy magic champion, has a number of television credits to his name, and has performed close-up magic for luminaries ranging from the Governor of The Reserve Bank to a Royal Command Performance for H.R.H. Prince Edward.
By Chris van der Maas In Their Words: The Websters
At a magic convention in Sydney almost ten years ago, Tim Ellis met the woman who would change his life forever. Sue-Anne Webster quickly became cohort, collaborator, and co-founder of one of Australia's most successful magic duos, as well as the wife to an equally inspirational and challenging magician. The ride has not been smooth sailing - far from it. Combining the professional pressures and stresses of a business partnership and the 24/7 partnership of married life has led to some unique and formidable tensions. But in each other they have found a passion, drive, and patience that has allowed this team to persist and prosper over the years.
By Mat Unwin And Much More!
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