10 Questions with Madison Hines - XWIZDUMBX
Madison Hines is an emerging abstract artist and designer from Houston, Texas. As a self-taught artist, she experiments with acrylics and fabrics, drawing inspiration from her inner child and deep ancestral connections. She incorporates bold colors, textures, and shapes, to initiate storytelling. In 2016, she established a brand that reflects upon identity and the journey towards self-awareness.
Her artist name, XWIZDUMBX (wiz•dumb), is defined by the knowledge of self. It represents one tapping into their highest power and not needing anyone to validate who they are and what they represent. Her artistic achievements have been widely celebrated, and her work has been prominently featured in magazine articles, podcast interviews, art shows, trunk shows, and community markets.
As an artist, Madison is dedicated to establishing a deeper connection with herself and others. Her creative drive is fueled by the desire to express the emotional beauty inherent in all of us. She continues forging her own path by hosting live painting sessions and actively mentoring other emerging artists. Through this presence, Madison has cultivated a sacred environment that influences her supporters to embark on their own artistic journeys and delve into their own unique ideas and imaginations.
Madison Hines - XWIZDUMBX - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Madison's most exceptional work emerges from a rich imagination and heightened sense of awareness. Her creative process is initiated from the psychological and spiritual dimensions of how colours and frequencies can be interpreted and expressed through the body. She focuses on the myriad ways to merge these elements into her work, whether through colours, symbols, textures, or layering techniques. Much of her work embodies movement, symbolizing the frequencies that emanate from individuals or traverse their paths. She envisions energy as a dynamic interplay of colour and motion, with each hue vibrating at its own frequency, invoking a distinct tone or emotion. This concept serves as a conduit for the exchange of information, promoting diverse interpretations.
Madison primarily works with acrylics, while also experimenting with textiles and other forms of mixed media. She draws insights from various artistic disciplines that initiate storytelling. Whether from film, music, art books, poetry, documentaries, ancestral texts, or indigenous folklore, each contributes to the depth and complexity of her work. She contemplates the perspective from which she wishes to narrate her stories and the underlying reasons certain elements are more prominent than others. Her creations come to life through enchanting dreams and vivid visions she experiences during meditation and sleep, with each piece being a glimpse into the mesmerizing worlds she explores in her imagination.
Madison is unwaveringly dedicated to nurturing a deeper connection with herself and cultivating sacred spaces. Her creative drive is powered by a desire to express the emotional beauty residing in all of us, inviting her viewers to reconnect with themselves and honour their authentic truths.
Child’s Play, Acrylic on canvas, 36x36 in, 2024 © Madison Hines - XWIZDUMBX
INTERVIEW
First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Could you tell us a little more about your background and your journey to becoming an artist?
I’m Madison, though many know me as XWIZDUMBX. My passion for the arts encompasses elements that evoke human emotions and inspire liberating conversations. Whether it’s the vibrancy of colors, building of textures, or creating detailed patterns, these components influence my storytelling and the deeper connection with self within my work. My artistic journey began in early childhood, where I developed a fascination with the transformative power of creativity. I enjoy the process of manipulating painting techniques and repurposing materials into something fresh and exciting while seeking innovative methods to express complex details and designs. Whether through research and studies or my own exploration, I am fiercely curious—constantly questioning the world around me, searching for something to channel my creativity on, or allowing my imagination to reshape reality.
How would you define yourself as an artist today?
I consider myself an expressionist, with my work co-existing in the realms of abstraction and healing, with an influence in street art and graffiti. I perceive my artistic journey as a continuous evolution, marked by a commitment to growth and exploration. Each day presents fresh surprises and invaluable opportunities for me to experiment with new techniques. From layering textures, playing with light and shadow, or engaging with various mediums, this ongoing exploration not only refines my skills but also deepens my understanding of how art can serve as a powerful tool for healing and connection. Ultimately, my practice is a reflection of my personal experiences and a dialogue with the world around me.
The Enlightened Adolescent, Acrylic and newspaper collage on canvas, 36x36 in, 2024 © Madison Hines - XWIZDUMBX
What is your personal aim as an artist? What do you think is your unique and personal contribution to the art world?
My foundation starts with creating for myself. I prioritize the process of nurturing my authentic self, allowing the thrilling and shadowy aspects to exist freely. This initiative offers me the space to be aware of my emotions while facilitating a process where I can articulate and navigate my feelings more effectively. As an artist, my primary goal is to empower individuals in cultivating their own identity rather than relying on others to define or validate who they are or who they should be. I want my audience to engage with my work emotionally, provoking them to reflect on their own lives and experiences. To remind them, that life is inherently simple and meant to be embraced with joy and freedom. My creations are intended to serve as mirrors, encouraging viewers to explore the connections between themselves and the concepts presented in my pieces. I envision my creations as conduits for new frequencies and perspectives, inviting viewers to unlock hidden layers of themselves during the experience. My work sets a part because it stems from the integration of my inner child and my intuitive divination abilities. My contribution to the art world emphasizes the importance of deep connections between the viewer and the artwork. I want each person to not merely glance at a piece and move on, but to fully inhabit the moment, cherishing the profound experiences that art can offer.
Let's talk about your work. You've mentioned that your work is deeply connected to your inner child and ancestral roots. How do these elements influence your creative process and the themes you explore in your art?
As I work on each piece, I prioritize honoring the characteristics of my inner child—embracing qualities such as playfulness, curiosity, adventure, and even the occasional confusion or uncertainty—while simultaneously grounding the artwork with a sense of calmness, guidance, and protection. I strive to visualize their emotional frequencies and consider how they are feeling, who they may be interacting with, and the types of conversations they are having with themselves and others. More importantly, in moments of happiness, I explore the levels of insightfulness they have access to, and in moments of sadness, I examine the internal battles they are experiencing. This approach ensures that I capture the essence of a subject or theme creating a personality and identity within the piece.
A Fall’s Release, 2023 © Madison Hines - XWIZDUMBX
Your artist name, XWIZDUMBX, reflects the concept of self-awareness and tapping into one's highest power. How do you see this concept manifest in your work, both visually and philosophically?
"WIZ" represents the archetype of someone who embodies all-encompassing knowledge, equipped with a variety of tools, ideas, and access to heightened states of consciousness, all stemming from a conscious choice to remain open to life's experiences. The recurring use of 'X' serves as a form of protection. While "DUMB" signifies those who persistently underestimate me; despite the truthfulness of my words. Even as I walk confidently in my own truth, there invariably comes a moment when someone will challenge the validity of my self-awareness and identity because they seek manipulation, or seek to control a narrative. Many times, my youth, demographic background, and cultural heritage are weaponized to perceive me as inferior. My work demonstrates the power of taking control of your voice and owning your story. It emphasizes the importance of loving yourself while also embracing the aspects that make you human. This reflection creates a balance between lightness and darkness, as well as between pain and celebration.
“In what ways are you willing to set yourself free in the face of adversity?”
Initially, there may be confusion that arises from the concept of being both “wise” and “dumb." However, I believe each of these truths are rooted in perspective—how one sees oneself versus how the world perceives them. Ultimately, life is characterized by the duality shaped by individual perspectives and the myriad experiences we encounter. Just as one cannot derive a singular interpretation from a painting, no single viewpoint captures the full nature of an idea or experience.
You began your artistic journey with custom shirts and now work with acrylics and mixed media. How has your practice evolved over the years, and what role do these early experiences play in your current work?
These formative experiences have fostered a fearless approach to my experimentation and innovation in my creative process. They have instilled in me the belief that there are no boundaries to what I can envision and bring to life, particularly when exploring concepts that have not been interpreted yet. Originally, I was focused on just creating works for my own personal freedoms and now this perspective enables me to create a series of works that integrate more storytelling and techniques that enrich the narrative behind each body of work.
The Enchanted Forest, 2024 © Madison Hines - XWIZDUMBX
The Souls of Warriors, 2024 © Madison Hines - XWIZDUMBX
You've embraced sustainability in your practice, repurposing materials and thrifting. How do sustainability and creativity intersect in your process, and what message do you hope to convey through this approach?
Utilizing materials that I already have access to plays a significant role in my creative process. For instance, I like to repurpose spray bottles from hair products and use old toothbrushes or a mixture of flour and water to form a textured paste. I also love exploring the colors of fruits and vegetables to create natural dyes, which I then use for experimental projects. On occasion, I even stumble upon canvases discarded on the side of the road, which I gladly reclaim for my own use. The core message I strive to convey is that we don’t need to acquire more possessions to foster creativity; instead, the materials and inspiration necessary for innovation are already within our reach. This journey takes us back to our roots, reminding us to explore the abundant resources available to us on Earth and how we can appreciate them in a new way. By doing so, we not only unlock our creative potential but also raise awareness about the environmental impact of excess consumption and its emotional effects on our lives. With this approach in mind, there is always a fresh and exciting way for me to repurpose materials, breathing new life into what might otherwise be seen as waste.
What is the most challenging part of your work? And what is the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect of my work is taking all my ideas and consolidating them into a cohesive body of work. My goal is to ensure that I accurately represent my vision while also remaining authentic to the narrative I am trying to convey. Conversely, the most rewarding moments come when I have the opportunity to showcase my artwork, whether through exhibitions or social platforms. Engaging with viewers during these moments is a liberating experience; hearing their interpretations and personal connections to my work further enriches my own understanding of it. These conversations often reveal insights that I hadn’t fully considered, highlighting the unique ways in which art can resonate with different individuals. Additionally, I find fulfillment in my commitment to the artistic process itself. Regardless of the challenges or personal triumphs I encounter behind the scenes, remaining dedicated to my craft as an artist is incredibly rewarding.
The Sacred Warrior, Acrylic on canvas, 18x24 in, 2024 © Madison Hines - XWIZDUMBX
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of your artistic practice? Are there any upcoming projects or directions you're particularly excited to explore?
My goals and aspirations for the future revolve around taking my artwork on a global journey, allowing it to be admired in diverse corners of the world. I envision showcasing my creations in solo exhibitions, particularly aiming for an international platform where my work can reach a broader audience. I am eager to travel and explore galleries beyond Western society, as I believe there is a rich artistic expression waiting for me to discover. Additionally, I aspire to participate in live painting events organized by curators in the art community. I am currently taking the initiative to host my own mentorship workshops and events that spotlight emerging artists blending art with self-awareness practices. My goal is to create a space for creativity and personal growth, providing these artists with opportunities to showcase their work and connect with others in the community. I also want to fuse my artistic vision with fashion and architecture, experimenting with color schemes, patterns, and unconventional shapes to create innovative collaborations. Continuing my artistic journey, I aim to expand my skill set into sculpture and larger bodies of work that challenge traditional mediums. Currently, I am working on an "Ancestral Series" that excites me greatly, with plans to unveil it to an even broader audience in the near future. Moreover, I am integrating film and photography into my artistic practice, documenting my experiences and evolution as an artist. This dual narrative serves not only as a personal chronicle of my journey but also as a way to connect with others who might resonate with my story.
And finally, do you have any upcoming shows or collaborations you are looking forward to in the upcoming months?
I’m currently exploring various art shows that I want to participate in this year. While I haven’t made any definitive choices yet, I’m really enjoying my time creating commissions and mentoring emerging artists. I usually allow opportunities to present themselves naturally and apply to shows when l truly feel aligned and inspired to do so. At the moment, I am focused on developing new pieces that will be ready for showcase, ensuring I have a diverse body of work when the time comes.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
