magi.cia.n: The Attention

Inspired by the recently declassified "CIA Manual of Trickery and Deception," this video work (“The Attention”)  transports the viewer to a dual layer reality where all is not what it seems. This short film's sole character is played by the artist as she oscillates between practicing and performing intricate sleight-of-hand framed as a traditional magician, and then into a CIA asset utilizing the same gestures in the real world, yet for nefarious ends.

The parallel worlds of magic and espionage rely on the learning of secret information, rehearsal and split-second timing to execute unseen gestures which are of ultimate importance, yet never to be seen and only perceived by their effects. The work highlights the importance of careful observation and focused attention. In  “magi.cia.n,” objects and techniques occupy the same space and time, yet hold a hidden world of secrets. Layers of worlds exist…only able to be viewed through the technical lens of one’s abilities, never to be unseen.

Originally commissioned by the Boca Raton Museum of Art.


More information: https://www.jeanetteandrewsstudio.com/magi-cia-n

Jeanette Andrews
NYC
magi.cia.n: The Attention
Digital Video. 2023.

All magic performance sequences are unedited.



Concept, performance, objects, visuals, editing:

Jeanette Andrews



Filmed by: 

Derrick Belcham 



Special thanks to:

Caryn Andrews, Mike Andrews, Adam Straus, Lynne Warren, Minelli Manoukian, Jessica Shearer, Prakash Puru, Mark Calabrese, Matthew Holtzclaw, David,Corsaro, Rachel Wax, Mizu, Stuart Scott, Jenny Radcliffe, Sarah Newman, Nancy Baker Cahill



Music:

Artlist & Jeanette Andrews



Thank you to Kathleen Goncharov, Martin Hanahan and the staff of the Boca Raton Museum of Art for making the realization of this work possible.