Edward Goldman: The Artist as Magician and Trickster

Have you ever watched a magician perform an amazing trick and then, with confidence and even bravado, reveal the mechanisms behind his trick? If that is not enough, he gives a repeat performance and, though now you know the secret, you still find yourself buying -- wholeheartedly -- into his magic once more. Over the last weekend, I saw and admired the work of three artists, whom I would describe as magicians and tricksters. Let me start with Israeli artist Zadok Ben-David (now living in London)...