Contemporary Jewish Museum (Venue Partner)
736 Mission St
415.655.7800
This event has passed.
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Courtesy Contemporary Jewish Museum
- When
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Oct 2, 2011 – Jan 16
Daily
- Where
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Directions: 736 Mission Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets.
- Price
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$12 / $10 students and seniors
- Links
“Eighty-five years after his somewhat enigmatic death, the world is still processing the impact of Harry Houdini's art. Debunker of proclaimed spiritualists, Houdini battled against superstition and the fraudulent supernatural, simultaneously challenging his audiences' sense of what was possible, drawing them and the public at large further and further into a state of wonder and disbelief. Michael Chabon's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay depicts Houdini as a heroic symbol to a class of people who identify with bondage and captivity, finding inspiration and hope in his incorrigible capacity to break the bonds that hold him. Visit the Contemporary Jewish Museum for more on this oft- under-appreciated artistic medium, and its greatest master yet.”
Joshua Wyatt, Flavorpill
The Contemporary Jewish Museum presents the first major exhibition to examine Houdini's life, legend, and enduring cultural influence. Houdini: Art and Magic includes more than 160 objects including magic apparatus, a recreation of the famous Water Torture Cell, historic photographs, dramatic art nouveau-era posters, theater ephemera, and archival and silent films that allow visitors to fully explore the career and legacy of the celebrated entertainer. The exhibition also features 26 contemporary works of art by Jane Hammond, Vik Muniz, Raymond Pettibon and more that bring to light Houdini's lasting impact on contemporary art and culture.
