David London's portfolio

Objects of Wonder (2020 - 2022)

Like many artists during COVID, I had to find new ways to explore art and magic. Fom 2020 - 2022, I made this group of sculptural and light-based objects of wonders.

Flying Dream Machine, 2020
Your Own Personal Goddess, 2021
The Coronation, 2020
The Coronation, 2020
George C. Cada
George C. Cada of the Magicadada Family, 2021

As part of the Cicada Parade-a Project. Cicada body by Formstone Castle. Designed by David London.
Clock Wall Commission
Clock Commission, 2021
Mirror Wall Commission, 2021
Mnemosyne, 2020

Shows of Magic

Storytelling magic shows have been my one consistent form of art over the last 20 years. I have created eight original theatrical magic productions, which I have presented at theaters, museums and festivals across the country.

Production History:

2001- 2002, 2017-2019: Cerebral Sorcery with Francis Menotti
2004 - 2005: ...Art of Dreams with Hiawatha Johnson, Jr.
2006: The Imagination Show
2007: The Adventure to the Imagi Nation
2011: (insert title here)
2012 - 2020: Magic Outside The Box
2018 - 2019: The Tricksters with Harley Newman
2018 - 2020: Houdini's Trunk

Cerebral Sorcery with Francis Menotti and David London - magic for your brain!

A mysterious box taunts two eccentric magicians. They must solve a series of curious riddles and metaphysical puzzles in order to unlock its secrets. Magicians Francis Menotti and David London bring Cerebral Sorcery back to the stage, 15 years after it first premiered! Featuring a series of magical vignettes, the duo takes audiences on a philosophical journey into the human mind, and the quest for understanding. It’s a magic show for your brain! Recommended for ages 16+ TOUR DATES: November 18-20, 2016 – Baltimore, MD December 2-3, 2016 – Bethesda, MD January 6-7, 2017 – Richmond, VA January 13-21, 2017 – Pittsburgh, PA April 28-May 7, 2019 – Chicago, IL August 11-13, 2017 – Baltimore, MD December 7-9, 2017 – Philadelphia, PA
Cerebral Sorcery - magic for your brain!

A mysterious box taunts two eccentric magicians. They must solve a series of curious riddles and metaphysical puzzles in order to unlock its secrets. Magicians Francis Menotti and David London bring Cerebral Sorcery back to the stage, 15 years after it first premiered! Featuring a series of magical vignettes, the duo takes audiences on a philosophical journey into the human mind, and the quest for understanding. It’s a magic show for your brain! Recommended for ages 16+ TOUR DATES: November 18-20, 2016 – Baltimore, MD December 2-3, 2016 – Bethesda, MD January 6-7, 2017 – Richmond, VA January 13-21, 2017 – Pittsburgh, PA April 28-May 7, 2019 – Chicago, IL August 11-13, 2017 – Baltimore, MD December 7-9, 2017 – Philadelphia, PA
David London's Magic Outside The Box
David London's Magic Outside The Box

Magic Outside The Box combines magic with storytelling, puppetry, comedy and that which cannot be defined, to create a show of magic unlike anything you have experienced before. After premiering at Burning Man Arts Festival in 2012, I have since presented this show throughout the country.
The Adventure to the Imagi Nation

Originally comissioned in 2006 by the Chicago Children's Museum, The Adventure to the Imagi Nation utilizes magic, story-telling and interactive play to take children of all ages on a journey to the Imagi Nation– a far away place, found within each one of us. Each 25 minute performance is both fun and educational in nature. Children are provided with a unique opportunity to express, explore and experience their own imagination in a way like never before. Recommended for ages 5-11. Fun for everyone! This performance has toured to children's museums accross the country.
The Adventure to the Imagi Nation

Originally comissioned in 2006 by the Chicago Children's Museum, The Adventure to the Imagi Nation utilizes magic, story-telling and interactive play to take children of all ages on a journey to the Imagi Nation– a far away place, found within each one of us. Each 25 minute performance is both fun and educational in nature. Children are provided with a unique opportunity to express, explore and experience their own imagination in a way like never before. Recommended for ages 5-11. Fun for everyone! This performance has toured to Children's Museums accross the country.
The Tricksters

They play with illusion and bend reality. They practice the art of joyful deception. They are storytellers, philosophers, clowns and poets. They will fool you, make you laugh, and lead you to wonder if all of life is just one big trick. David London and Harley Newman are The Tricksters... PRODUCTIONS HISTORY: July 6-15, 2018 - Baltimore Theatre Project July 26-29 - Firehouse Theatre Richmond July 5-7, 2019 - Baltimore Theatre Project
David London Card Trick
David London - Psychic Celebrity Toenail Clippings

Originally created in 1999 to examine how magi tricks can be used to create and assign power, this routine has appeared in several shows over the past 20 years.
Dr. Nodnol's Imagination Rejuvenation Tonic

Séances

Séances are a unique form of magical performance, that combines historical storytelling, illusion, and the exploration of spirit and spirits.

The Creative Spirit Séance (2013 - 2014) utilized the tools of spiritualism to communicate with the Creative Spirit, as opposed to exclusively the spirits of the deceased.

HUMBUG: The Great P.T. Barnum Séance & Traveling Museum (2018 - 2019) utilized seance performance to tell the story of P.T. Banrum's life, as well as to summon his cast of curious chatacters. HUMBUG explored the ideas of spirit in relationship to passion, attitude, as well as victorian spirit communication.

Creative Spirit Séance, 2014 - 2015

Presented for just 12 participants per seating, The Creative Spirit Séance is an intimate, fully interactive experience that explores various ways in which human beings communicate with the unseen world. Combining performance, ritual and creative play, magician and storyteller David London will guide you through the mysterious realm of imagination, creativity and the Great Beyond. Previous Productions: August 14-30, 2014 – Baltimore, MD May 15-30, 2015 – Baltimore, MD
My Séance Table

Table design by David London Table construction by Jay Wright Table finishing by Jeramie Bellmay Photo by Theresa Keil
Creative Spirit Séance - Séance Table

Presented for just 12 participants per seating, The Creative Spirit Seance is an intimate, fully interactive experience that explores various ways in which human beings communicate with the unseen world. Combining performance, ritual and creative play, magician and storyteller David London will guide you through the mysterious realm of imagination, creativity and the Great Beyond. Previous Productions: August 14-30, 2014 – Baltimore, MD May 15-30, 2015 – Baltimore, MD
Creative Spirit Seanceé

Church & Company, Baltimore, MD, 2015 Written & Performed by David London Artistic Direction and props by Jeramie Bellmay Photos by Theresa Keil & Philip Laubner Music by Daniel Merrill
HUMBUG Flyer

Join David London for an intimate evening of Storytelling, Time Travel, Curiosity, Wonders, Impossibilities, Manifestations, Exaggerations, Unbelievable Truths, Fake News & Alternative Facts.' “a one-of-a-kind experience that was enlightening, amazing, and awe-inspiring” -Baltimore Independent Theater Review -Hear the incredible true stories of Barnum’s life! -Encounter genuine artifacts* from Barnum’s career! -Witness the Fejee Mermaid! -Experience Spirit Communication! -Bring Barnum and his cast of characters back to life! *along with reproductions, facsimiles, fakes, frauds and completely fabricated items PRODUCTION HISTORY November 8-23, 2019: Carroll Mansion – Baltimore, MD March 8-16, 2019: The Branch Museum – Richmond, VA May 5 – April 20, 2018: The Peale Center – Baltimore, MD October 4 – 7, 2018: The Branch Museum – Richmond, VA
HUMBUG: The Great P.T. Barnum Seance & Traveling Museum
Full HUMBUG Poster

Join David London for an intimate evening of Storytelling, Time Travel, Curiosity, Wonders, Impossibilities, Manifestations, Exaggerations, Unbelievable Truths, Fake News & Alternative Facts.' “a one-of-a-kind experience that was enlightening, amazing, and awe-inspiring” -Baltimore Independent Theater Review -Hear the incredible true stories of Barnum’s life! -Encounter genuine artifacts* from Barnum’s career! -Witness the Fejee Mermaid! -Experience Spirit Communication! -Bring Barnum and his cast of characters back to life! *along with reproductions, facsimiles, fakes, frauds and completely fabricated items PRODUCTION HISTORY November 8-23, 2019: Carroll Mansion – Baltimore, MD May 5 – April 20, 2018: The Peale Center – Baltimore, MD October 4 – 7, 2018: The Branch Museum – Richmond, VA March 8-16, 2019: The Branch Museum – Richmond, VA
Mermaid

Mermaid at the entrance to HUMBUG, The Peale Center, Baltimore, MD
HUMBUG
HUMBUG: The Great P.T. Barnum Séance & Travel Museum - Introduction

Time Travel Tours

From November 2018 – August 2019, I created and managed a bureau of the Escapement Time Travel Agency at the Peale in Baltimore, MD, inside the oldest museum building in America. Along with building the Time Machine (in collaboration with Adolphe Alexander) and the Time Travel Agency, I researched, reimagined and recreated my interpretation of Rembrandt Peale's Study, and offered tours back in time.

All time travel tours included up to 40 minutes of actual time travel, and consisted of storytelling, interactivity, history and play. An Augmented Reality component allowed visitors to look through Rembrandt Peale's eyeglasses and see through his eyes. A special Sunday Tea Time Travel Tours also included jokes, magic tricks, tea and cookies.
What is this? Part puzzle. Part exhibit. Part performance. Total immersion.

Time Travel Tour experience is an interactive experience that engaged with the history of the Peale Museum and its founder, Rembrandt Peale. After activating a 200-Year Time Machine, visitors embarked on a guided tour of Rembrandt Peale’s study in the years 1818 & 1819. Through immersion, wonder and play, the experience is designed to connect certain aspects of that time to your own time, as well as to the future. Website: www.time-travel.tours

REVIEWS, PRESS & LINKS:
WYPR, On The Record, "Time Travel at the Peale"
No Prosenium Q&A: "Enter an escape room in reverse"
Patient Rock Review: "Traveling Time with the Peale Family"
The Paul Stefan Show // TV Free Baltimore

A4_Time_Travel_Agency.jpg
Time Travel Tours at the Peale
Time Machine

200-year Time Machine. Collaboration with Adolphe Alexander. Found objects inside antique wooden cabinet with electronics. 18" x 28" x 58".
Time Travel Agency
Activating the Time Machine...
Back in time...
Rembrandt Peale's Private Study
Time Travel Tours - Rembrant Peale's Studio
Rembrandt Peale's Desk
Rembrandt Peale's Private Study

Inescapable: The Life & Legacy of Harry Houdini

In 2017 I was hired by the Jewish Museum of Maryland to serve as guest curator for Inescapable: The Life & Legacy of Harry Houdini, which opened at the museum in Baltimore staring in 2018, and then toured to The Breman Museum in Atlanta and the Milwaukee Jewish Museum in 2019. EXHIBITION DATES:
June 24, 2018 – January 21, 2019: Jewish Museum of Maryland – Baltimore, MD
April 14, 2019 – August 11, 2019: The Breman Museum – Atlanta, GA September 26, 2019 – January 5, 2020: Milwaukee Jewish Museum – Milwaukee, WI

Harry Houdini wasn't born. He was invented.
The world’s most famous magician began life as Erik Weisz, the son of a Hungarian rabbi. In 1878 immigration to the U.S. transformed Erik Weisz into Ehrich Weiss. It was the first of many transformations for the man who would become the first international superstar.

Inescapable tells the story of how Ehrich Weiss became Harry Houdini and investigates the technologies, marketing prowess and entertainment trends that transformed him into a superstar. On one level, the exhibit is pure fun – incorporating magic, escapes, seances, films, rare artifacts and hands-on illusions. On a deeper level, the exhibit pulls back the curtain, revealing the story of the man behind the image.

Inescapable Title

Design by Dailelle Nekimken
Inescapable: The Life & Legacy of Harry Houdini at the Jewish Museum of Maryland
Setting The Stage
Setting The Stage
5_Inescapable_SettingStage_Judaism2.jpg
OpeningActs: Welsh Brothers Circus
Inescapable
Houdini's Straight Jacket
A Peek Behind The Curtain
Houdini's Third Act

Interactive

Starting in 2007, I began experimenting with how play, interactivity and co-creation could provide access to a magical state of mind. In 2008, I spent six months facilitating the construction of Wonder Bread Sculptures, and continued my exploration with the IMAGINE Device (2008 - 20010), Be The White Rabbit (2009), The Scoposcope (2010 - 2012), among other interactive experiements.

IMAGINE Device (Integrated Mechanical Apparatus Generating Images Nearly Existing), 2008 - 2010

Interactive Video Kaleidoscope, 2008 - 2010
IMAGINE Device (Integrated Mechanical Apparatus Generating Images Nearly Existing), 2008 - 2010

Interactive video Kaleidoscope, 2008-2010
Scoposcope, 2010 - 2012

Interactive kaleidoscopic video feedback table. Collaboration with Jeramie Bellmay. Footage from The Fridge (Washington, DC), 2010; Corcoran Gallery of Art (Washington, DC), 2011; Area 405 (Baltimore, MD), 2010.
Scoposcope, 2010 - 2012

Interactive kaleidoscope video feedback table. In collaboration with Jeramie Bellmay.
Be The White Rabbit, 2009

Step 1: Put on the rabbit head. Step 2: BE THE WHITE RABBIT! Photos from Transmodern Festival (2009), X in DC (2009), Gaian Mind Summer Festival (2009).
Be The White Rabbit, 2009

Step 1: Put on the rabbit head. Step 2: BE THE WHITE RABBIT! Photo from Transmodern Festival, Baltimore, MD, 2009.
Wonder Bread Sculptures - "Touch His Magic", 2008

Segment on Wonder Bread Sculptures for Current TV. Produced and Directed by Christian Baker.
Wonder Bread Sculptures, 2008
Trash Puppet Making Workshop, 2008

Planet Arlington Festival, Arlington, VA
Dream Garden, 2007

Presented as part of Cabinet of Wonders exhibition at Polvo Gallery, Chicago, IL, 2007

Events & Happenings

Hosting and producing large scale interactive events & happenings has been a consistent form in my work since 2007.

Illuminated: A Surrealist Garden Party, 2018

At the Peale, Baltimore, MD.
Illuminated Surrealist Garden Party, 2018

At the Peale, Baltimore, MD
Winter Festival of Wonders, 2012
Winter Festival of Wonders, 2012

A three-day celebration of Wonder, Magic & Play. At Area 405. February 10-12, 2012
Sensorium - Dinner With A Side Of Memory, 2011

NPR Segment on Sensorium, 2011
Sensorium, 2011

Served as Managing Director & Performer for Sensorium Interactive Dinner Experience. Washington, DC, 2012
David London's Sunday Circus, 2010
David London's Sunday Circus, 2010
Fresh Produce Festival of LIve Art

In 2011, I served as curator for the Fresh Produce Festival of Live Art at The Fridge in Washington, DC.
Curator, Cabinet of Wonders, 2007

Exhibition presented at Polvo Gallery, Chicago, IL, 2007

Adhesive Alchemy (2002 - 2009)

While attending college in Chicago, I have the privledge to connect with the Chicago Surrealist Group, founded in 1966 by Franklin and Penelope Rosement, after they visited Surrealism's founder Andre Breton in Paris, shortly before his death. The group met continuously for 45 years, until 2009, when Franklin himself passed away. From 2002 - 2007, I gathered with Chicago Surrealist Group every Sunday afternoon to explore ideas and play games. They also encouraged me to make art for the first time. This gallery contains some of my artwork from that period of my life.

How to write a poem
Elephants only wear high heels after midnight, 2006
Untitled, 2006
How to play a Violin, 2004
Turtle
A Glimpse
GodOfFire.jpg
Adhesive Alchemy Essay

I’ve always had a love affair with Adhesives— substances that cause something to adhere. At its core, in both the functional as well as the creative use of Adhesives, we find ourselves presented with a magical substance that suddenly instills each of us with the ability take two or more different things and
make one new thing.

This is an essay on the transformational properties of adhesives (and a meditation on human relationships).

Moving Pictures

I received my degree in Cinematography from Columbia College in Chicago in 2004. This section contains four of my student films from the time I was in film school, as well as a collection of short animations and a sculptural film that I made in 2020.

Miscelaneous Animations, 2020
Fly Away With Me, 2020
Sail, 2001

Student Film, 16mm b/w
The Guardians, 2003

Student Film, 16mm b/w
Cube, 2004

Student Film, 16mm Color
The Avocado Experiment, 2004

Student Film, Digital Video

Miscellany

Stereoview Card of Amelia Evergreen, Inventor, circa 1886 (2024)

Stereoview Card, 3.5" x 7"
Generated with Midjourney and Leiapix
Name and Bio generated by ChatGPT

In the quaint town of Steeltown, circa 1870, young Amelia Evergreen emerged as a prodigious talent in the burgeoning world of invention. At a mere 15 years old, this trailblazing American lass astonished her community with a flair for crafting intricate automatons and pioneering scientific discoveries. Born into a family of tinkerers, Amelia's insatiable curiosity led her to dismantle clocks, only to reconstruct them into fantastical machines. Her workshop buzzed with innovation, earning her a reputation as a burgeoning robot maker and scientist. In a time when gender norms constrained aspirations, Amelia Evergreen defied societal expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the 19th-century landscape of invention.
Roaring Fallacy, 2004

Presented as part of the TicToc Performance Art Festival, Chicago, IL, 2004 In collaboration with Katy Nielsen
You Are Here, 2011

Presented at Transmodern Festival, 2011, Baltimore, Maryland & PEX Summer Festival, 2011, Darlington, MD. Collaboration with Katy Nielsen.
Flights of Fancy/ Coffee Table, 2020

Five physical and digital collages turned into a coffee table.
Magic Hookah Lounge, 2009 - 2010

Appearing at Desiderata Festival, Gaian Mind Summer Festival, and others.
What on a Stick, 2009

To make a 'What on a Stick, 'you take an object, or collection of objects, and glue them to a stick. You then wrap the object(s) and when you give it to someone else, it becomes a 'What on a Stick.'

That person can either leave it wrapped, at which point it remains a 'What on a Stick,' or that person can choose to unwrap it, at which point it ceases to be a 'What on a Stick' and becomes whatever it is on a stick.

Once unwrapped, the object can remain whatever it is on a stick, or, if wrapped again and given to someone else, it will once again become a 'What on a Stick.'
Thing String, 2008 - 2009

Thing String is a single piece of thread designed to be worn as a fashion accessory. Also intended to be used as a conversation starter. From 2008 - 2009, I distributed hundreds of pieces of string at dozens of events around Baltimore and Washington, DC. Many conversations were started, and an unknown quantity of friendships were started.
Transplant, 2004

Transplanting carrots into banana peels. Chicago, IL. 2005.
Face Puppet, 2004

Presented as part of the TicToc Performance Art Festival, Chicago, IL, 2004
Behind (& Beyond) The Smoke and Mirrors, 1998 - 2008

In my teenage years, I was looking for answers to my many questions about magic, and turned to me fellow magicians for their answers. The 24 page quarterly zine collected and published essays from magical practitioners who spoke of the philosophy, psychlogy and meaning behind magic and creativity. I produced 20 issues in total, including Behind The Smoke and Mirrors (1998-2001) and Beyond The Smoke and Mirrors (2006-2008), which together contain over 500 pages of essays on magical thinking, storytelling, and creativity. At its peak, I mailed 500 publications around the world.