Hilma af Klint: Malta’s Hidden Art Gem
In the Heart of St. Julian’s: A Hidden Gem Unveiled
Tucked away in the bustling heart of St. Julian’s, the Muża Bunker, Malta’s newest contemporary art hub, is hosting an exhibition that’s set to challenge your perceptions of art history. Standing before the abstract paintings of Hilma af Klint, you might find yourself questioning, “How did I not know about this pioneer of abstract art?”
ARTE, in collaboration with the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, brings us “Hilma af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art”, an exhibition that shatters the conventional narrative of art history. This isn’t just a local exhibition; it’s a chance for Malta to engage with a global art conversation.
Breaking the Male, European Monopoly
Born in Sweden in 1862, Hilma af Klint was a woman working in a male-dominated art world. She was also an abstract artist before the term was even coined, creating non-representational artworks decades before Kandinsky, Mondrian, and Malevich. Yet, her work remained largely unknown until recently. Why?
Af Klint herself requested that her abstract paintings not be shown until 20 years after her death. This self-imposed delay, coupled with the art world’s Eurocentric bias, kept her groundbreaking work in the shadows. But now, thanks to exhibitions like this one, af Klint is finally getting the recognition she deserves.
What to Expect at the Exhibition
Step into the Muża Bunker, and you’ll be greeted by a world of vibrant colours and geometric forms. The exhibition features around 200 works, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. You’ll see af Klint’s evolution from figurative to abstract art, her exploration of spiritualism and the occult, and her innovative use of materials like glass and metal.
Don’t miss the iconic “Paintings for the Temple” series, a cycle of large-scale abstract paintings inspired by spiritualist séances. These works, created between 1906 and 1915, are a testament to af Klint’s visionary approach to art.
But the Muża Bunker isn’t just a venue; it’s an experience. The exhibition is designed to immerse you in af Klint’s world, with installations that recreate the artist’s studio and exhibition spaces. It’s a chance to connect with art history in a unique, interactive way.
