Hilma Af Klint: The Swedish Pioneer of Abstract Art, Now in Malta

Imagine this: a woman, ahead of her time, painting abstract art in the early 20th century, long before it became mainstream. This was Hilma Af Klint, the Swedish artist whose groundbreaking work is now gracing the halls of the Muza, Malta’s national museum of art. But who was Hilma Af Klint, and why should Malta care?

Who Was Hilma Af Klint?

Hilma Af Klint (1862-1944) was a Swedish artist, born into a wealthy family with artistic leanings. She studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm and, like many artists of her time, started out painting in a traditional, representational style. But something extraordinary happened around 1906.

Af Klint began to paint in a completely new style – abstract art. She created vibrant, geometric forms, swirling patterns, and ethereal landscapes, often using bright, bold colors. This was decades before artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Kazimir Malevich are credited with founding abstract art.

Her Secret Life as an Abstract Artist

Af Klint kept her abstract work secret for much of her life. She believed it was inspired by spiritualist séances she attended with a group of women known as ‘The Five.’ The group would communicate with spirits through automatic drawing, a technique where the hand is guided by an external force rather than conscious will.

Af Klint’s abstract paintings were part of this spiritual exploration. She only showed them to a select few, including her fellow artists in ‘The Five.’ It wasn’t until decades after her death that her niece discovered the paintings and shared them with the world.

Hilma Af Klint in Malta

The Muza is currently hosting an exhibition of Af Klint’s work, titled ‘Hilma Af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art.’ The exhibition is part of the Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture program, which aims to bring innovative and thought-provoking art to Malta.

The exhibition features a selection of Af Klint’s paintings, including some from her ‘Séance’ series, which were created during the spiritualist séances. It’s a rare opportunity for Maltese art lovers to see the work of this pioneering artist up close.

But why should Malta care about Hilma Af Klint? Because her story challenges our perceptions of art history. It reminds us that great art can come from anywhere, at any time, and that sometimes, it takes decades for the world to catch up with a artist’s vision.

So, if you’re in Malta, make your way to the Muza. Lose yourself in the swirling patterns and vibrant colors of Hilma Af Klint’s paintings. And remember, you’re not just looking at art – you’re witnessing history.