A street magician’s tricks make everyday technology magical and mysterious

For the renowned close-up magician Doug McKenzie, crafting magic tricks means transforming familiar objects into something mysterious and preternatural. As cellphones and other handheld technologies have become a part of everyday life, he has increasingly incorporated them into his illusions, melding street magic with technological innovation in his quest to create true ‘magical moments’ for his audience. Produced by the online publication Cool Hunting, Magician Doug McKenzie follows McKenzie as he stuns onlookers with his digital wizardry, and discusses the psychology of his craft and the feelings of power it engenders.