Unveiling the Enigmatic Hilma Af Klint: ARTE Brings Her Story to Malta

In the heart of Valletta, at the Muża, a captivating figure is about to step into the limelight. Hilma Af Klint, the Swedish pioneer of abstract art, is the subject of a new documentary, ‘Hilma Af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art’, premiering on ARTE. But who was this enigmatic artist, and why should Malta’s art enthusiasts care?

Who Was Hilma Af Klint?

Born in 1862 in Stockholm, Hilma Af Klint was a Swedish artist known for her abstract paintings. Unlike her contemporaries, she didn’t wait for the 20th century to embrace abstraction. Instead, she began creating non-representational art in the early 1900s, decades before it became fashionable. Her work was deeply influenced by spiritualism and the occult, with many of her paintings inspired by spiritualist séances.

Yet, despite her groundbreaking approach, Af Klint remained relatively unknown during her lifetime. She stipulated that her abstract paintings not be shown until 20 years after her death. This self-imposed delay meant that her work didn’t gain widespread recognition until the 1980s, nearly a century after she began creating it.

ARTE’s New Documentary

The new ARTE documentary, ‘Hilma Af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art’, delves into the life and work of this pioneering artist. Directed by Halina Dyrschka, the film explores Af Klint’s groundbreaking approach to art, her spiritual influences, and her decision to delay the public exhibition of her work.

For Malta’s art lovers, the documentary offers a unique opportunity to explore the origins of abstract art and the story of a woman who dared to defy artistic conventions. It’s a chance to appreciate the courage and vision of an artist who paved the way for generations of abstract artists to come.

Catching the Documentary in Malta

If you’re eager to catch the documentary, you can tune in to ARTE on your local cable provider. Alternatively, you can stream it online via the ARTE website or their app. For those who prefer a more communal viewing experience, the Muża might organize a screening as part of their ongoing events. Keep an eye on their website for updates.

In the meantime, why not explore Malta’s own vibrant art scene? From the traditional Maltese art found in the National Museum of Fine Arts to the contemporary installations at the Valletta 2018 cultural program, there’s always something new to discover.

As Hilma Af Klint once said, “There is something else besides what we see and hear. If one could only see it!” So, let’s keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep pushing the boundaries of our artistic understanding.