Scholar Rocks

Hillebrand’s scholar rocks series is inspired by chinese scholars’ rocks, also known as scholar stones or viewing stones. Small shaped or naturally-occurringRocks appreciated by Chinese scholars from the song dynasty onwards, and quite frequently found in traditional chinese gardens. Natural stone and rock formations, with no artificial carvings, are preferred. Rocks would sometimes be carved and then thrown back into a lake so that any markings could be washed away. The unaffected nature is idealized – not by its imitation, but by trying to depict the deeper essence of the beauty of nature. Hillebrand does not show us pictorial elements in his objects, instead he indicates them: He visualizes its imagination by using natural elements such as water, sand or cork, outside of the constraints of place and time. The domes almost seem to become objects of meditation like scholar rocks or traditional Japanese meditation gardens. The various associative materials used, seduce the viewer in a contemplative manner to connect with the deeper affectivity and the perception of beauty that lies in their instinctive memory. Hillebrand invites us to use our imagination and fantasy.