Community Highlights: Meet Christina Hiltscher of Unchained.art

Christina, born in Germany, is a natural communicator and creative. Valued for her expertise, passion, and ability to bring people together through art, she is dedicated to fostering genuine connections. Her curiosity, business acumen, and pursuit of free artistic expression serve as the driving forces behind her success as an art gallerist and agent. She is known for her can-do attitude, discerning eye, and unwavering commitment to promoting diverse European artists.

However, Christina’s path to the art world was indirect, inspiring, and transformative, deeply influenced by her upbringing and different international experiences. Christina was captivated by the art world from a young age, inspired by her grandfather, an inspiring painter. Despite her passion for creating, she initially pursued a more traditional path, obtaining her higher education, a Bachelor of Business Administration, in the United States while on a tennis scholarship. After, she received her International M.B.A. degree from E.A.D.A in Barcelona, Spain. This foundation and combination of business and athletic pursuits would later prove invaluable in shaping her approach to the art world, emphasizing perseverance and teamwork.

Upon completing her formal education, Christina embarked on a successful corporate career that allowed her to live in Belgium, England, and Switzerland. However, deep within her heart, a longing for a more independent and creative pursuit persisted. The turning point came in 2019 when Christina boldly decided to transition from the corporate world to the realm of art. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to support talented artists, Christina established herself as an art gallerist and agent specializing in European art. Drawing upon her business acumen, she skillfully bridges the gap and connects artists, art enthusiasts, and collectors, creating accessible and inclusive experiences. She actively seeks opportunities to engage with diverse communities and works diligently to make art more approachable and relatable, ultimately enriching people’s lives through the universal language of creativity. Her experience as a painter and collector gives her a unique understanding of the artistic process, enabling her to collaborate and support artists effectively.

Christina’s approach is very open and transparent; she fosters genuine dialogue and enables meaningful connections. She believes in building strong relationships with her artists, aligning with their vision and goals to improve access and visibility. This enables her to curate thought-provoking exhibitions, like converting a factory space into a unique gallery experience. She believes in the transformative power of art and wants to make a meaningful impact. In 2022 Christina relocated with her husband, Mads, a Dane, to Austin and opened Unchained.Art Contemporary Gallery on E. Cesar Chavez St in March 2023. Mads is her number one supporter, and together they enjoy what Austin has to offer. Both fans of live music, the outdoors, the dog-friendly open culture, and a vibrant, creative social life, they call East Austin their home now.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No road is always smooth. Some of the challenges along the way were pivoting into a new industry, embracing a complete change in career, and building a vision and a dream from scratch. Leaving a successful corporate career and mindset of 16+ years behind and diving head first into entrepreneurship requires a complete change. I did not slowly build a business alongside my day job; it was a plunge. Creation and fast action replaced established structures and processes, redefining what success means, not having a team around but managing a one-woman show. It can get lonely when you proofread your concept repeatedly and quickly learn that you need to seek outside input and feedback to create a core team around you that you pull in for different tasks. Letting go of perfection still working on it, but experimenting, learning by doing, and learning by failing, do-learn- adjust, do – learn -adjust. This is not a luxury you have in a corporate job (it probably should be). Patience is a key element, which is hard sometimes as we all want to see success and positive results immediately.

We’ve been impressed with Unchained.art, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
At Unchained.art, we believe that art can change the world, move, transform, and connect people. Our mission is to break down barriers to make International and European contemporary art accessible across borders to a wide audience while supporting emerging and established artists. We are committed to providing a platform for artists whose work challenges, inspires, and creates deep emotional connections; to fostering a dynamic and genuine dialogue between artists, art enthusiasts, collectors, and the broader community. We take a highly personal and transparent approach. Through genuine dialogue and support, we create an open and welcoming environment for all, regardless of their level of expertise in art. Located in the vibrant East Austin Arts District, our gallery offers a carefully curated and diverse selection of high-quality, contemporary art featuring various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The portfolio caters to different budgets and styles. I am proud to represent a growing number of artists. Just over the last few weeks, 2 new exciting artists, from Denmark and Austin, joined the unchained.art family and will be shown soon in the gallery. So even though I mainly focus on international artists, I am scouting the local talent. If you don’t find Christina in the gallery, she is most likely down the street at Drinks Lounge & Records.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
There is not just one quality or characteristic that is most important. As a one-person business, you are synonymous with the business, the brand, and the experience. Be passionate, people-oriented, collaborative, genuine and transparent, knowledgeable and understand the artistic process, be savvy about operational aspects, curation, adaptation, and technology. It’s not just about selling art, it’s about creating an experience, a dialogue, and fostering a community around your gallery. Put people first, and continue trying, experimenting, and seeking feedback to improve and learn.

1 Comment

1. 

   Mads Ransby Olsen

   July 30, 2023 at 12:37 am

   What an amazing story, I am sure Christina and unchained.art will change the art scene in Austin and every other place they will set up shop.
   I have been at the gallery and can only recommend art lovers and curious beginners to visit the gallery, as Christina is sublime in taking everyone through the great art and the story behind every piece she represents.
   The artiste are very diverse and there is something for everyone.

   Reply