Long before the celebrated abstract works of Kandinsky and Mondrian, Swedish artist Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) was creating visionary paintings that defied the artistic norms of her time. A trained painter with a deep interest in spiritualism and the occult, af Klint produced a series of abstract works that remained largely unseen during her lifetime. Her art, characterized by bold colors, geometric shapes, and esoteric symbolism, was a radical departure from the representational art prevalent in the early 20th century.
Af Klint’s magnum opus, The Paintings for the Temple, comprises 193 works created between 1906 and 1915. These pieces were inspired by her involvement with The Five, a group of women who conducted séances and believed they were guided by spiritual entities. The resulting artworks are rich in symbolism, reflecting themes of duality, transformation, and the interconnectedness of all life. Despite her groundbreaking approach, af Klint chose not to exhibit these works publicly, believing the world was not ready to understand them.
It wasn’t until decades after her death that af Klint’s contributions to abstract art began to receive recognition. Major exhibitions, such as the 2018 retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, have reintroduced her work to contemporary audiences, prompting a reevaluation of the origins of abstract art. Af Klint’s visionary creations challenge the traditional narratives of art history, positioning her as a true pioneer whose work continues to inspire and intrigue.
