Discover Hilma af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art in Valletta
In the Heart of Valletta: A Pioneering Spirit Unveiled
Standing before the grand doors of MUŻA, Malta’s national community art museum, you might feel a shiver of anticipation. Little do you know, you’re about to step into a time machine, hurtling back to the early 20th century to meet Hilma af Klint, a Swedish artist who single-handedly redefined the boundaries of art. Thanks to ARTE, her groundbreaking work is now on display in our very own Valletta.
Who was Hilma af Klint?
Born in Stockholm in 1862, Hilma af Klint was a painter, draftswoman, and mystic. She was a member of the spiritualist group ‘The Five’, which believed in communicating with the spirit world. Her art, however, transcended her spiritual beliefs, pioneering abstract art long before it was recognized as a legitimate form.
Af Klint’s work is a testament to her visionary spirit. She created large-scale, vibrant paintings filled with geometric shapes, symbols, and spiritual iconography. Her most famous series, ‘The Paintings for the Temple’, consists of 193 paintings created between 1906 and 1915, which she intended to be displayed in a spiral-shaped temple.
ARTE’s Hilma af Klint Exhibition in Malta
ARTE, the European cultural channel, has brought a selection of af Klint’s works to MUŻA. The exhibition, ‘Hilma af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art’, is a rare opportunity for Maltese art enthusiasts to witness the birth of abstract art firsthand. The show runs until the 25th of September, so mark your calendars.
But why Malta? Why now? According to MUŻA’s director, Kelia Agius, the exhibition is part of a broader effort to bring international art to Malta and foster cultural exchange. “We want to create a dialogue between local and international art scenes,” she says. “Hilma af Klint’s work is a perfect starting point for this conversation.”
Visiting the Exhibition
MUŻA, located in the historic Auberge d’Italie building on Republic Street, is a gem in its own right. The museum’s unique architecture and rich history provide a striking backdrop for af Klint’s groundbreaking art. After exploring the exhibition, be sure to wander through the rest of the museum, which houses a diverse collection of Maltese art.
Admission to the Hilma af Klint exhibition is free, but donations are welcome. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, visit the MUŻA website or give them a call on +356 2122 0512.
