David Hoffos: The Lethbridge illusionist and his cinema of attractions

by David Hoffos (Artist), Nancy Tousley (Contributor)

Through the use of centuries-old optical techniques, film, video, composite projections, time-lapse photography and live closed-circuit video the artist creates what he refers to as illusions and which others may call installations. But while the devises may be drawn from the days of Méliès and the Lumière brothers, the concerns and references are straight from Hitchcock, Wells, Lang and Spielberg. Tousley's essay provides a close reading of Hoffos' non-narrative, time-based art, situating the artist now with Truffaut, then with Ed Wood and showing that while his interest in film is great, his interest in fantasy is greater.

72 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2000

About the author

David Hoffos (born 1966 in Montreal, Quebec) is a contemporary artist who maintains a practice in Lethbridge, Alberta. He is widely recognized for unique illusionist installations that draw their inspiration from archaic special effects and cinematic techniques.[citation needed]

He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Lethbridge in 1994. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in Canada, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and the United States. In 2002, he was awarded second place in the prestigious Sobey Art Award.