Houdini Museum, Scranton PA, and Dorothy Dietrich Featured in Media Arts Showing in New York City

New York City, NY, 2017-Feb-13 — /EPR Network/ — ISCP Exhibition opens Valentines Day, February 14–April 7, 2017, Media Artist Elaine Byrne’s “women boxed”.The International Studio & Curatorial Program announces the opening of “women boxed”, an exhibition of work by artist Elaine Byrne, in ISCP’s first floor space. “women boxed” is a three-channel video installation, that invites dialogue about women’s roles in society, how women’s labor is viewed in society, using the magic trick of sawing a woman in half as a pivotal metaphor, and includes footage of the renowned female magician, Dorothy Dietrich and Scranton’s Houdini Museum. One of three videos was recently filmed on location at the Houdini Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Artist Elaine Byrne filmed renowned female magician, Dorothy Dietrich, where Dietrich is Director. Elaine Byrne sought out Dietrich, is known as “the first woman to saw a man in half.”Dietrich speaks about her role as a female magician in a male-dominated industry, and discusses the classic magic trick of a glamorous woman being sawed in half by a man, first publicly performed by P.T. Selbit in January 1921.

The other two videos show several other magicians performing the same stunt, and the audiences’ responses. Byrne observes, “The world of magic has been dominated by men, where the magician actively drives the story and the female assistant functions as a spectacle for the male gaze. The magician’s assistant brings the action to a stop and captures the spectators’ attention—she freezes the flow of events for moments of erotic contemplation.” Evoking ever-present gender inequality, parallel to today’s world of ever-present gender inequality, the female assistant to the magician plays the role of victim – she is a woman literally encased in a box, seeming to await her fate. While the male magician saws her in half, he is propelled to fame, as the audience delights in the female assistant being subjected to peril and pain. In actuality, the female assistant is largely responsible for the success of the trick, but her labor is hardly recognized. At a time when women continue fighting for many freedoms and equalities all over the world, “women boxed” alludes to these struggles through the arena of magic and illusion.
Elaine Byrne (born in Ireland and based in New York) examines overlooked histories, historical texts and artworks as a platform to mobilize history relating to current social concerns. Byrne received her BA from University College of Dublin, and her MA in Visual Arts Practices from IADT, Dublin (2009). She completed the Whitney Museum of American Art Independent Study Program (2015). She has had solo shows at Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, Dublin; Montoro12, Rome; Limerick City Gallery; Oonagh Young Gallery, Dublin; and Atrio Cultura Space, Mexico. She was the winner of the 8th Arte Laguna sculpture prize (2014) and TINA prize (2015). Her work is in permanent collections including: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania; the Rosenbach Museum and Library, Pennsylvania; Office of Public Works, Ireland; The Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland; and PWC, London, England. She is represented by the Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, Dublin, Ireland.
This exhibition is coordinated by Alexandra Friedman, Program Coordinator, ISCP. http://iscp-nyc.org/event/women-boxed

Opening Reception: Tuesday, February 14, 6–8pm. Open Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 12–6pm. On View Tue Feb 14 – Fri Apr 07 International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP), 1040 Metropolitan Avenue, N.Y., N.Y. 11211,/ +17183872900 / iscp-nyc.org Curated by Margaret Flanagan. This program is supported, in part, by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) supports the creative development of artists and curators, and promotes exchange through residencies and public programs. Housed in a former factory in Brooklyn, with 35 light-filled work studios and two galleries, ISCP is New York’s most comprehensive international visual arts residency program, founded in 1994. ISCP organizes exhibitions, events and offsite projects, which are free and open to all, sustaining a vibrant community of contemporary art practitioners and diverse audiences. Over 1,240 artists and curators from more than 70 countries, including the United States have undertaken residencies at ISCP. The International Studio & Curatorial Program’s mission is

1) to support and enhance the professional development of emerging to mid-career artists and curators from around the world
2) to introduce New York audiences to exceptional international art practices
3) to engage communities of the New York City area through public programs that enrich the appreciation and understanding of contemporary art

The ISCP establishes a global network of exemplary artists and curators. Tailored for professional growth, the programs serve as an active mediator, creating visibility and immersion for all of its residents in New York City. ISCP’s programming makes ISCP an unparalleled platform for producing, presenting and contextualizing contemporary art through a diverse range of international perspectives.

The Houdini Museum, Tour and Magic Show, Scranton, PA, is the only building in the world dedicated to Harry Houdini. Open year round, by reservation.

1) Restored Houdini’s bust at his grave site destroyed by vandals, and missing for 40 years.
2) Heads up the historic yearly Houdini Seances that serve as a tribute to Houdini and his constant battle against those pretending to get messages from the dead.
3) Responsible for the restoration of Houdini’s best film, “The Grim Game.” lost for 96 years.
4) Currently heading up Scranton’s most populaf and 2nd highest backed project in the history of KickStarter, Houdini-Opoly and its web site HoudiniOpoly.com.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1726279887/houdini-opoly-fun-exciting-legend-and-magic-hero-b/

Contact:
Penny Wilkes
PR Associates
Houdini.org
1433 N Main Ave
Scranton, PA 18508
570 342 5555
magicus@comcast.net
http://www.houdini.org