Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hillerbrand+ Magsamen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Hillerbrand+ thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
“Higher Ground” is a multimedia installation that combines video, sculpture, and performance. At its core, it explores the concept of building and climbing as metaphors for overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights. The central piece is a video that depicts our family constructing a precarious tower out of household objects and furniture, constantly striving to go higher despite the instability of the structure. It represents our journey as a family and artists, embodying the resilience and hope that drive us forward.
Living in Houston, TX, we were inspired by NASA and the ideas of space flight. This project allowed us to reflect on our own lives and the idea of resilience. The act of building the tower was a literal and metaphorical exercise in perseverance and hope. It mirrored our efforts to rise above our circumstances and find stability and balance.
As artists who often incorporate our family into our work, “Higher Ground” was a true family endeavor. Our children were involved in the construction and performance aspects, making it a collective expression of our shared experiences and dreams. This collaboration strengthened our family bonds and highlighted the importance of mutual support.
The process of creating “Higher Ground” pushed us to experiment with new techniques and mediums, enhancing our artistic practice. It challenged us to think creatively about how to convey complex emotions and narratives through our work.
Hillerbrand+, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
We are Hillerbrand+Magsamen, a collaborative artistic duo comprised of Stephan Hillerbrand and Mary Magsamen. Our journey into the world of art began at Cranbrook Academy of Art where we were both pursuing Masters of Fine Arts degrees. We were both interested in interdisciplinary experimentation and personal narratives. A few years after graduate school we fell in love and got married.
Our collaboration started organically, rooted in our personal relationship and shared experiences. Both of us come from backgrounds in the arts—Stephan with a focus on photography and video, and Mary with a background in sculpture and installation. We found a natural synergy in combining our skills and perspectives, which led us to create art that reflects and interrogates our everyday lives.
Our work explores the relationships between our home (house and family), histories, memories, and the mise-en-scène of daily lifestyle and consumerism. We have a long history of working together and literally tearing down and rebuilding our physical environments to playfully critique our lives. In our practice nothing is precious, everything is game, and we want our art to be accessible to all audiences through the use of humor. We are about transforming the everyday into extraordinary narratives that entertain, critique, and inspire.
Our work often blurs the boundaries between art and life, drawing inspiration from the mundane yet profound moments of domestic existence. We create multimedia installations, videos, performances, and photographs that offer a humorous yet critical look at contemporary family life and consumer culture. Our projects often feature our own family members, bringing an authentic and intimate perspective to our art. Our work is deeply personal, drawing directly from our own experiences and family life, which creates a genuine and relatable connection with our audience. We use humor as a powerful tool to both entertain and provoke thought, making our critical commentary on contemporary issues accessible and engaging.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Buy Art: Purchasing art directly from artists not only provides them with financial support but also validates their creative efforts. Whether it’s through galleries, online platforms, or art fairs, buying art ensures that artists can continue their work.
Support Museums and Non-Profit Art Spaces: These institutions play a crucial role in showcasing and preserving art. By visiting, donating, or becoming a member of museums and non-profit galleries, you help create opportunities for artists to exhibit their work and reach a wider audience.
Value Creative Endeavors: Recognizing and appreciating the importance of art in society is essential. Encouraging creativity in education, attending art events, and advocating for public arts funding all contribute to a culture that values and sustains artists.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson we had to unlearn is that there’s only one way to be an artist.
We discovered that creativity and engagement in society can manifest in many fulfilling ways. Not everyone will become an “art star,” and that’s okay. Success is a personal journey with its own unique definition for each artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hillerbrandmagsamen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillerbrand_magsamen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HillerbrandMagsamen/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user539425
Image Credits
©Hillerbrand+Magsamen