UC Davis Granada Fellow, Aaron Gach will be presenting a new work, “The Light & Dark Arts: A Radical Magic Show” (May 28–June 6, 2015).

Inspired by studies with a private investigator, a magician, and a ninja, Aaron Gach co-founded the Center for Tactical Magic in 2000—an organization dedicated to the coalescence of art, activism, magic, and positive social change. His commitment to exploring disparate arts (martial arts, magical arts, and contemporary art) has led to the creation of numerous projects that consistently address public space, social politics and community issues. Among these are the Tactical Ice Cream Unit (a mobile command center that dispenses free ice cream, community-based propaganda and more), the Ultimate Jacket (50 secret pockets; endless possibilities), and the Witches’ Cradles (for achieving altered states, both mentally and politically).

In addition to producing national and international projects, Aaron Gach has taught courses in Public Art, Street Media, Art & Magic, and 4D Art at UC Santa Cruz, Stanford University, the San Francisco Art Institute, and currently at California College of the Arts. He is a contributing author for Arthur Magazine’s Applied Magic(k) column, and his writings on art, magic, and politics have appeared in a wide range of other publications, anthologies, and collections as well. 

As a UC Davis Granada Fellow, Aaron Gach will be presenting a new work, “The Light & Dark Arts: A Radical Magic Show.” In looking closely at the ways in which secrets are embodied in today’s society, this performance will draw parallels between magic acts and such issues as economic manipulation, political deception, vanishing resources, and social transformation. In addition, students will have an opportunity to participate in a class that explores various “magics” as they relate to traditional performance practices and contemporary themes.