Malta Hosts Hilma af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art

Tucked away in the bustling streets of Valletta, the Muża, Malta’s national community art museum, is currently playing host to an extraordinary exhibition. It’s not the grandeur of the building or the usual suspects of Maltese art history that’s drawing crowds, but the name of a woman who, until recently, was largely overlooked: Hilma af Klint. So, who was this Swedish artist, and why is her work causing a stir in the sun-kissed streets of our capital city?

Born in 1862 in Stockholm, Hilma af Klint was a Swedish artist known for her abstract paintings, which are now considered pioneering works in the field of abstract art. Yet, her story is one of delayed recognition. Af Klint created her abstract paintings between 1906 and 1920, predating the first abstract art movement in Europe by nearly a decade. However, she stipulated that her work not be shown until 20 years after her death, fearing that the world was not yet ready for her radical vision.

Now, thanks to ARTE, a French-German TV network, and the Muża, Malta is getting a chance to witness af Klint’s groundbreaking work firsthand. The exhibition, titled “Hilma af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art,” is part of ARTE’s ongoing commitment to bringing international art to local audiences.

For Malta, hosting this exhibition is more than just an opportunity to showcase international art. It’s a chance to engage in a dialogue with another European culture, to explore the parallels and differences between our artistic histories. Af Klint’s work, with its emphasis on spirituality and the occult, resonates with Malta’s own rich history of mysticism and religious art.

Visitors to the Muża can expect to see af Klint’s iconic series “The Ten Largest,” a collection of vibrant, abstract paintings that explore themes of spirituality and the cosmos. The stark contrast between these paintings and the traditional religious art that Malta is known for is striking, yet there’s a certain harmony in the juxtaposition. It’s a testament to the power of art to challenge, to inspire, and to bring people together.

So, if you find yourself in Valletta over the next few months, do yourself a favor and step into the Muża. Let Hilma af Klint’s pioneering spirit speak to you, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll leave with a new perspective on art, on history, and on the world around you.