Magic is the medium

Published: Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 3:57 pm

Jeanette Andrews, a performance artist and illusionist, is challenging traditional notions of art with her debut solo museum exhibition, "On Wonder, Mind, & Magic." The exhibition, housed at the Elmhurst Art Museum, transforms the gallery space into an immersive experience where magic serves as the primary medium, and the interaction between the artist and the audience becomes the artwork itself.

Andrews' practice, which spans eight years, draws from a diverse range of disciplines including the history of magic, physics, psychology, philosophy, music, and even espionage. This extensive research is evident throughout the exhibition's three distinct galleries, which feature a blend of elegant sculptural objects, interactive installations, and documentation of past performances. The result is a series of multisensory installations designed to both enchant and provoke viewers' perceptions, firmly positioning magic as a legitimate form of contemporary performance art.

Upon entering the galleries, visitors are met with an atmosphere akin to a laboratory. A prominent chalkboard mural, covered in intricate sketches, quotes, and formulas, underscores this theme and is slated for inclusion in a forthcoming paper for MIT. While academic residencies have clearly influenced her work, Andrews' experimentation in the exhibition is equally fueled by scientific inquiry and artistic intuition. The artworks on display are characterized by their beauty and complexity, harmoniously merging analytical and creative thinking.

A standout piece, "In Plain Listen," exemplifies this balance. Andrews translates the secret behind an ancient magic trick into Morse code musical notation, presented as a haunting cello composition. Staged simply with a cassette player and megaphone, the work is framed by semi-sheer fabric printed with codes and secrets. The subdued music encourages viewers to lean in and listen closely, creating an intimate and engaging experience.

Transparency is a recurring motif throughout the exhibition, with pieces like the interactive illusion "Transform the Book," a clear box containing a suspended book that viewers can manipulate, and "Bottling the Impossible," a collection of talismans that challenge physical laws. Even a clear cassette tape and a musical score etched onto transparent acrylic contribute to this theme of revealing and concealing.

The exhibition also includes video documentation of Andrews' past performances, showcasing her precise, almost balletic movements. However, the true performance often unfolds as other visitors engage with the interactive pieces, displaying a genuine sense of wonder and eagerness to participate. Andrews' work eschews instant gratification, rewarding patience and sustained attention with a quiet satisfaction akin to solving a complex puzzle. While some illusions remain elusive, such as the Morse-coded shoelaces in "magi.cia.n: The Signat," this inherent mystery is central to the nature of magic.

Bringing magic into a museum setting presents a unique challenge, as magic relies on secrecy while exhibitions traditionally encourage close examination. Andrews' exhibition, however, withstands this scrutiny by focusing on the experience of wonder rather than the mechanical secrets behind the illusions. She masterfully stages small magic performances within the museum, often without her physical presence, inviting curiosity while preserving the essential mystery.

BNN's Perspective: Jeanette Andrews' exhibition is a compelling exploration of how art can transcend traditional boundaries. By embracing magic as a medium, she not only elevates a often-dismissed art form but also creates a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience for museum-goers. The exhibition successfully balances intellectual rigor with sensory delight, offering a refreshing perspective on the nature of wonder and perception in contemporary art.

Tags: Jeanette Andrews, On Wonder Mind & Magic, illusionist, performance art, contemporary art, multisensory installations, interactive installations, magic, Elmhurst Art Museum, transparency, wonder, perception

Full Story