Hillerbrand and Magsamen celebrated the transformative power and beauty inherent in the everyday through their installation at the Ion in Houston. The work offered a playful exploration of home science experiments, domesticity, and transformation. Inspired by ordinary kitchen objects and the imaginative spirit of home science, the artists reimagined these elements as catalysts for creativity and wonder. Toys, measuring cups, insulation foam, lights, and kitchen utensils were repurposed to create a visual symphony that transcended their utilitarian origins, inviting viewers to rediscover the magic hidden within the mundane. Blurring the boundaries between art and everyday life, the commissioned installation incorporated objects, photographs, and video.
The #EyeOnArt Program at the Ion, Houston’s innovation hub, are an adaptive reuse of the beloved Sears building on which Ion was built. The display windows are a unique opportunity to reimagine Sears' store windows and build on the collective memory of the space’s past, present, and future. Strategically placed, as the entry points and eyes of the building, the two highly visible display windows facing Fannin and Main Streets serve as beacons to draw the community in. The art displays are a visual expression of the intersection of art and innovation and are a reflection of Ion and Ion District’s effort to support local talent.
Artist: Hillerbrand + Magsamen
Location: Ion Houston
Date: 2024
Type: Temporary Site-Specific Art Installation
Role: Public Art Curator at Ion District
Photos by Egidio Narvaez
Video by Marc Furi Creative
