Chris Hackett was born on April 15, 1972, in New York City. From a young age, he had a fascination with tinkering and building things, often using found materials to create his own inventions. Growing up in the hustle and bustle of the city, he was exposed to a world of creativity and innovation that would shape his future career as a multimedia artist.
Early in his career, Hackett was featured in a documentary film titled B.I.K.E., which showcased his unique approach to art and design. This exposure led to opportunities to showcase his work on various television programs, including the Science Channel's Stuck with Hackett and the Discovery Channel's Breaking Point. It was during this time that Hackett gained recognition for his ability to create interactive, mechanized works of art from salvaged materials.
Hackett's innovative creations caught the attention of the public, leading to him being featured on The Learning Channel's Junkyard Wars. He became known for his ability to transform everyday objects into functional pieces of art, showcasing his talent for repurposing materials in unexpected ways. His passion for DIY projects led him to write a column for Popular Science magazine, where he shared his expertise on building tech projects.
In the late 1990s, Hackett established The Madagascar Institute in Brooklyn, New York, as a creative hub for artists and inventors to collaborate and share ideas. The institute became a hotspot for innovative projects and experimental art, drawing inspiration from Hackett's own work with salvaged materials. It was here that Hackett's influence on the maker community began to take shape, as he encouraged others to embrace their creativity and think outside the box.
Despite his busy career, Hackett remains rooted in his hometown of New York City. He continues to explore new ways to push the boundaries of art and design, always looking for unconventional materials to incorporate into his projects. His dedication to his craft has earned him a reputation as a pioneer in the world of multimedia art, inspiring others to see the beauty in the overlooked and discarded.
As a multimedia artist, Chris Hackett has left an indelible mark on the world of art and design. His passion for repurposing materials and creating unique pieces has inspired a new generation of makers to embrace their creativity and think outside the box. Through his work on television programs and in his own creative space at The Madagascar Institute, Hackett has shown the power of imagination and resourcefulness in turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.