Twins Nikolai and Simon Haas (b.1984) create irreverent sculptures that explore themes related
to nature, fantasy and sexuality. Originally from Austin, Texas the brothers began collaborating
in 2010 each bringing their respective passions and distinct specialties together utilizing materials such as marble, bronze, ceramics, beads and more. The Haas Brothers have had
numerous solo exhibitions in the United States and abroad and maintain their studio practice in Los Angeles, CA.
Haas Brothers (©)Mason Poole
Let’s discover more about them!
– What are the biggest challenges you have met in your career?
NIKI: Art is FUN! I’d say the most difficult part of our work is managing expectations, making space to give the work the time it deserves and being as sensitive to our context and message as possible while still maintaining our spirit.
SIMON: The biggest challenge has been that there are some people who view creatives as commodities, which is particularly nasty given how sensitive and not necessarily money-minded creatives can be. It’s a fairly common story, bad actors see how much money is flying around in the art world and use artists’ creativity for their own financial benefit. Luckily this hasn’t happened much, but I will admit that it’s a challenge to spot when it’s happening.
– How would you describe your work?
NIKI: Generous, psychedelic, meticulous, humorous, considered and playful.
SIMON: Funny and irreverent grounded in intense respect for materials, processes and makers.
– How is your passion for visual art and design born?
NIKI: Our father owned a stone fabrication business.. countertops, and architectural fabrication type stuff.. our mother was a passionate trinket collector and persistent home modifier.. Construction and aesthetic was in our blood. We found our current career path through opening an art/architectural fabrication studio.. which lead to us building our own furniture to a higher and higher level… it eventually was perceived as sculpture… Now that we’re showing in museums and getting to engage with a real platform We’ve realized just how lucky we are… and how important it is to do our best to inspire and engage… it’s hard not to be passionate.
SIMON: We create the fantasy reality we both want to see. Our childhood was magical and very creative which made our passion for creation pretty innate. Making things together is how we express our bond and our shared fantasy.
– What is the most difficult work you have done and why?
NIKI: We did a collection called “Afreaks” it took a huge amount of self discovery.. Simon and I both almost lost our minds… we were halfway across the world in South Africa.. but the result was pretty awesome.. All of our best projects take some real growing up. Each body of work is a whole new step into our older and hopefully wiser selves.
SIMON: Working through the pandemic. Our work is about joy and awe- it was hard to maintain the positivity that functions as our creative wellspring when the world was in such a tough space. We had to downsize everything and find a way to work remotely — which was tough when our work is so informed by the environment and people in our studio.
– What is your main source of inspiration?
NIKI: My brother Simon.. my Wife Djuna… My son Fox.
SIMON: Niki! Also the natural world, language, history and the people I love.
– What about your next project?
NIKI: I’m fucking excited!! Lots a museum shows… lots a gallery shows… a ballet…can’t talk too much about it.. but very excited
SIMON: We have a lot of projects happening right now – I think the project I’m the most excited about is testing out new glass processes.
– Outside of design, what are you currently interested in and how is it influencing
your design work?
NIKI: Most of our work is outside design.. our day to day is mostly spent on sculpture and nonfunctional works. It affects our design world by making them more “artsy” I guess.
SIMON: I’m very into gay history in America- it is hardly taught and it’s truly fascinating. I’m inspired by the strength so many people had to be truly fully themselves in the face of hardships I can’t begin to understand. It inspires me to be myself fully in my work, make what I make and be who I am unapologetically, and to never say yes to something I don’t believe in.