Til Brugman was born on September 16, 1888, in the Netherlands. She was the eldest of nine children in her family. Despite coming from a large family, Brugman was determined to strike out on her own from a young age. At the age of 23, in 1911, she made the bold decision to leave her family behind and set out on her own path.
After leaving her family, Brugman found work as a secretary and translator to support herself. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for writing and poetry. Brugman began to explore themes of sexism and capitalism in her work, using her writing as a platform to criticize these societal issues.
Brugman's work gained recognition in various literary circles, including being featured in publications like De Stijl and Merz. She was lauded for her bold and unapologetic take on social issues, earning her the Marianne Philips Prize and the Novels Prize in 1952.
One of the most significant collaborations in Brugman's life was with Dada artist Hannah Höch. From 1926 to 1936, Brugman lived and worked with Höch in Germany. The two women shared a deep artistic bond and collaborated on various projects together, creating groundbreaking work that challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of art.
Brugman's legacy as a poet and linguist lives on today through her thought-provoking work. She was a trailblazer in her exploration of complex social issues and her fearless criticism of the status quo. Brugman's work continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists to challenge injustice and spark change through creativity.