We asked the following question to a large group of magicians:
Is magic really an art?
Responses:
Perry Brangman I believe magic meets all these definitions!
art /ɑːt/
n
n
The creation of works of beauty or other special significance
(as modifier): an art movement
(as modifier): an art movement
The exercise of human skill (as distinguished from nature)
Imaginative skill as applied to representations of the natural world or figments of the imagination
The products of man’s creative activities; works of art collectively, esp of the visual arts, sometimes also music, drama, dance, and literature
(as modifier): an art gallery
(as modifier): an art gallery
Any branch of the visual arts, esp painting
Any field using the techniques of art to display artistic qualities
(as modifier): an art film
(as modifier): an art film
Method, facility, or knack: the art of threading a needle, the art of writing letters
The system of rules or principles governing a particular human activity: the art of government
Artfulness; cunning
Get something down to a fine art ⇒ to become highly proficient at something through practice
Steven Holt Magic is definitely not an art form. Most magicians look too far into magic & think about it 24/7, then convince themselves it’s an art form. Anyone can learn to do magic. This is when magicians start taking themselves too seriously; when I switch off. Turner, Rolf Harris, Van Gogh, now they’re proper artists, not magic! That always makes me laugh when magicians think magic is an art form.
Simon Caine Steven, anyone can learn to paint. That doesn’t make every painter an artist.. My two cents, magic isn’t an art, but some magicians are artists.
Max Ridley Yes it is. It brings people together, and produces an element of surprise.
Tony Lawrence Of course it is, it requires study, practice, dedication and skill.
Alberto Kowes Art is a kind of expression that will stimulate our senses. perhaps isn’t that magicians do?
Jack Cooper Magic can make people cry, it can surprise people, and it can also make people angry. It does what art is supposed to do, it evokes a reaction. Magic is an art form, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
Sy Williams I find that the way you perform a reveal can be the most artistic moment of the performance.
Sam Fitton The whole question and subsequent answers hinge on your definition of ‘art.’ In my opinion, an art is something that generates an emotional response from the intended audience of that art. Therefore magic, if performed by a skilled artist, is an art.
Daniel Kirkwood Absolutely, magic is an expression of feelings, dedication and skill.
Cris Cobra Magic is an art, for 2 reasons:. You learn the art of using the possible elements for your performance (water, fire, air, not earth), and your creativity is in the magic. It’s your art that makes the illusion better.
So what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:
Yes, magic is an art form. It takes aquired knowledge, technique, and skill to be a magician.. It is not everyday that you meet a magician.. They are a unique and gifted breed, that speak their own language.