Why isn’t magic taken seriously? Why is it that, even as some of the most talented magicians in the world continue to push the boundaries of our art, magic continues to be viewed by the public as a light form of entertainment on the fringe of more “legitimate” art? Magic as Medium explores why magic doesn’t seem to offer the same transcendence as traditional art, and why it doesn’t need to be this way.
Written by Shawn DeSouza-Coelho, and produced by Alex Hansford (creator of The NEAT Review), Magic as Medium is a wholly unique critique of magic and compelling commentary on art that examines if these two shrewd characters will every come together for a chat. And if they did, what would they even say?
Citing a vast compilation of work from magicians such as Paul Harris, Eugene Burger, Max Maven, and Derek DelGaudio, Shawn dissects the writings of philosophy giants from the past century. From Saussure and Lacan to Barthes and Heidegger, he considers their works alongside and amidst magic.
Magic as Medium adventures into the space between the ideal and real, and prods at the moment of astonishment, all through the lens of magic and theatre (including a look at how Shawn develops a production script for his theater performances).
It is broken down into four major sections:
- Magic and the Misconception
- Success and the Structure of Art
- Failure and the Art of Magic
- Our Imprisonment is our Escape
This remarkable book is an incredible introduction to linguistics, semiotics, phenomenology, and the meaning of art. It’s a captivating 160-page adventure contained in a beautiful hardcover book adorned with stunning cover illustrations by Jordy van den Nieuwendijk and foil-block type. Its a stunning addition to any library.
Limited copies available.
Hardback | Cloth Cover | 6.1in x 8.7in | Section Sewn | 1-color Litho