Discover Hilma Af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art in Valletta

Unveiling the Hidden Genius: Hilma Af Klint’s Abstract Art at St. James Cavalier

Picture this: a bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting its golden rays on the historic buildings, and in the heart of it all, St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity. You might be wondering, what could possibly be hidden within these ancient walls that’s causing such a buzz? The answer lies within the exhibition ‘Hilma Af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art’, brought to you by ARTE.

Who Was Hilma Af Klint?

Hilma Af Klint (1862-1944) was a Swedish artist, often referred to as the ‘mother of abstract art’. Yet, her groundbreaking work remained largely unknown until now. Born into a family of artists, she studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm and later became a member of the prestigious group ‘The Friday Group’. However, it was her spiritual experiences and interest in the occult that truly shaped her artistic journey.

Af Klint believed in communicating with spirits, and her abstract art was heavily influenced by these spiritualist sessions. She began creating non-representational art as early as 1906, decades before artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian. Yet, she chose to keep her abstract works hidden, only revealing them to a small circle of friends and fellow artists.

ARTE Brings Hilma Af Klint to Malta

ARTE, the European cultural channel, has partnered with St. James Cavalier to bring Af Klint’s pioneering work to Malta. The exhibition, on display until the 28th of February, features a selection of Af Klint’s most significant works, including pieces from her ‘Séance’ and ‘Paintings for the Temple’ series.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity for Maltese art enthusiasts to explore the origins of abstract art and understand its spiritual underpinnings. It’s a chance to look the mind of an artist who dared to defy conventions and paved the way for future generations.

So, why not take a stroll down Republic Street, step into St. James Cavalier, and let Hilma Af Klint’s vision transport you to a world where art and spirituality intertwine? It’s an experience not to be missed.