Indeed, the excellent and insightful “Houdini: Art and Magic” exhibition is a must see for magicians and all fans of magic and its history. And those in the general public should find it interesting as well. Most thrilling are the artifacts that include Houdini's actual straitjacket, milk can and Metamorphosis trunk that you may view up close. I toured the exhibition in Los Angeles in 2011. And while you're at the Skirball, don't miss the first rate companion exhibit, Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age.
The exhibition features some 150 artifacts that include historical photographs, Art Nouveau–era posters, playbills, memorabilia, and archival and silent film footage. Rare personal items include family photos, a postcard that Houdini wrote to his mother after running away from home at age twelve, and the Bible belonging to his father, Rabbi Samuel Mayer Weiss. Also displayed are two of Houdini’s private travel diaries.
An object shown in Los Angeles that was not a part of the original New York exhibit is a detailed and pristine re-creation of Houdini’s “Water Torture Cell” that was built by renowned illusion designer John Gaughan (much of the original “Water Torture Cell” was destroyed in a fire).
The exhibit is organized by areas of Houdini’s life that include: “The Prince of the Air,” Houdini’s early life with his family and start as an entertainer; “Portrait of the Magician,” Houdini's evolution from novice magician to world class star; “Escape, Metamorphosis, and Transformation,” his use of ever greater escapes; “Spiritualism,” Houdini’s debunking of spiritualism; “Houdini in Film,” his foray into feature-length silent films and more.
Interspersed among the props and artifacts on display are a number of contemporary works by artists such as Matthew Barney, Petah Coyne, Vik Muniz and Raymond Pettibon. The works of art were inspired by the Houdini legend and portray his physical audacity, celebrity, magic props and illusions, and themes of metamorphosis and escape.
According to a release, the exhibition is the first major museum exhibition to explore the life and legacy of the celebrated and legendary showman. Houdini: Art and Magic was organized by The Jewish Museum, New York where it debuted in October 2010 and remained on view through March 27, 2011.
