Malta Hosts Hilma af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art

Tucked away in the bustling streets of Valletta, the Mużew Nazzjonali‘s newest exhibition is causing a stir. But this isn’t just any ordinary art show. It’s a journey into the mind of Hilma af Klint, a Swedish artist who, over a century ago, was quietly painting some of the world’s first abstract art.

ARTE, the European cultural channel, has brought Hilma af Klint’s groundbreaking work to our shores. And it’s not just art enthusiasts who are taking notice. Locals and tourists alike are flocking to St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity to witness this remarkable exhibition.

Born in 1862, Hilma af Klint was a Swedish artist who, like many of her contemporaries, was deeply influenced by the spiritualist movement. She was a member of ‘The Five’, a group of women who held séances and believed in communicating with the spirit world. But unlike her peers, Hilma af Klint didn’t just paint what she saw. She painted what she felt.

Her abstract works, created between 1906 and 1920, predate the famous abstract paintings of Wassily Kandinsky by a decade. Yet, her work remained largely unknown until recently. Now, thanks to ARTE and Mużew Nazzjonali, Malta has the chance to appreciate Hilma af Klint’s pioneering spirit.

The exhibition, titled ‘Hilma af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art’, is a visual feast. It’s a riot of colours, shapes, and symbols that seem to dance off the canvas. The works on display are a mix of paintings and drawings, each one more captivating than the last.

One standout piece is ‘The Ten Largest’, a series of ten large-scale paintings created between 1930 and 1932. These paintings, with their bold, geometric shapes and vibrant colours, are a testament to Hilma af Klint’s courage and creativity.

But the exhibition isn’t just about admiring beautiful paintings. It’s also about understanding the artist’s unique perspective. The exhibition includes a fascinating audio guide that delves into Hilma af Klint’s spiritual beliefs and their influence on her art.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try creating your own abstract art? The exhibition includes a hands-on activity where you can let your creativity flow. Who knows, you might just channel a bit of Hilma af Klint’s genius!

The Hilma af Klint exhibition is open until the 2nd of October at St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta. Tickets are €10 for adults and €5 for students. But here’s a tip: go on a Wednesday. That’s when the exhibition is free for everyone.

So, whether you’re an art buff or just curious about what all the fuss is about, don’t miss this chance to see Hilma af Klint’s groundbreaking work. It’s not every day that we get to witness art history in the making. Or rather, in the remaking.