# Chromatic Toy Artwork Hillerbrand Magsamen Created Toy Mandalas By Megan Facciuolo | Published 2014-03-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-mandalas References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/) & [hillerbrandmagsamen](http://hillerbrandmagsamen.com/gallery/mandala/) Hilary Magsamen and Stephan Hillerbrand of 'Hillerbrand Magsamen' made a spiritual symbol more playful with these toy mandalas. Their series, 'Mandala,' was inspired by items within their home; they wanted to explore their creativity. The word "Mandala" comes from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. In translation, it means "circle;" however, its meaning goes beyond the basic shape. Mandalas represent life as a whole -- It is infinite and extends beyond our physical bodies. Tibetan monks preach this concept and usually create the mandalas with sand. By toying around with their household items, Hilary and Stephen created these unique spirally themed pieces. One mandala is made of individual [Lego](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kalegoidoscope) blocks, another with [Barbie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pavilions-of-wonder) products. They even went to the extent of using individual shoes and plush animals. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Toy Mandalas:** Using toys to create mandalas illuminates a playful and spiritual approach to art, which could disrupt traditional art forms and attract a new art audience. - **Household Items:** Inspirational ideas can be found with household items, opening the way for upcycling and creativity in upcycling and art, which could lead to a cultural shift from traditional to sustainable living. - **Playful Spirituality:** Combining playful and spiritual concepts, such as toy mandalas, is a way to attract millennials and younger generations to religious or introspective practices, which could revolutionize the market for spiritual practices and products. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy mandalas represent a new way to use toys, which could create a new market for spiritual or artistic toys, leading to an increase in sales and brand awareness for toy manufacturers. - **Art and Crafts:** Artists could find inspiration in toy mandalas to create new art forms or decoration styles, thus diversifying the arts and crafts market and disrupting traditional art forms. - **Spirituality and Religion:** Toy mandalas and playful spirituality concepts could lead to an increase in spirituality and introspective practices, opening opportunities for new products and services in the religious and spiritual industry, and disrupting traditional religious practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Art-Inspired Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-mattel-x-moma.md) - [Reflective Kaleidoscope-Inspired Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kalegoidoscope.md) - [Art-Inspired Toy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hape-x-the-met.md) - [Contemporary Art Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-art-building-set.md) - [Whimsically Vibrant Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama.md) - [Mesmerizing Sand Pattern Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crystal-sandsara.md) - [Building Block Art Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-project-create-together.md) - [Geometric Design Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-little-toy-by-eames-office.md) - [Playful Interactive Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-by-american-express-platinum.md)