Unveiling Malta’s Hidden Artistic Heritage: Hilma Af Klint’s Pioneering Spirit

Tucked away in the quiet streets of Valletta, just off St. George’s Square, lies the National Museum of Fine Arts. Among its vast collection, you’ll find a painting that might surprise you – a vibrant, abstract piece titled ‘The Ten Largest, No. 1’. It’s a far cry from the traditional religious art that Malta is famous for. But this painting isn’t just a departure from the norm; it’s a testament to a groundbreaking artist who defied conventions and paved the way for abstract art. Her name was Hilma Af Klint, and her story is one that every Maltese art enthusiast should know.

From Spiritualism to Abstract Art

Hilma Af Klint was a Swedish artist, born in 1862, who spent a significant portion of her life exploring the spiritual realm. She was a member of a spiritualist group called ‘The Five’, who believed in communicating with the spirit world through séances. It was during one of these séances that Af Klint received her first artistic instructions from spirits she referred to as ‘The High Masters’. These spirits guided her to create abstract paintings, long before the term ‘abstract art’ was even coined.

Af Klint’s work is now the subject of a documentary by ARTE, titled ‘Hilma Af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art’. The film delves into her extraordinary life and work, offering a unique perspective on the birth of abstract art. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in art history, especially those who want to understand how art can be influenced by spiritual beliefs.

Malta’s Connection to Hilma Af Klint

Malta’s connection to Hilma Af Klint might seem tenuous at first, but it’s worth exploring. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Malta was a British colony, and British art was heavily influenced by European trends. This is how Af Klint’s work made its way to our shores. The ‘Ten Largest’ series, including the painting at the National Museum of Fine Arts, was created between 1907 and 1915. These paintings were among the first abstract artworks ever created, predating Wassily Kandinsky’s famous abstract paintings by several years.

Af Klint’s work was ahead of its time, and it’s a testament to Malta’s cultural openness that we have one of her paintings in our national collection. It’s a reminder that even in the heart of the Mediterranean, we’ve always been connected to the wider world of art and culture.

Watching ‘Hilma Af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art’

The ARTE documentary is a fascinating exploration of Af Klint’s life and work. It’s not just about art; it’s about spirituality, gender, and the courage to defy conventions. The film is available to stream on the ARTE website, and it’s well worth an hour of your time. After watching, you might find yourself looking at the ‘Ten Largest, No. 1’ in the National Museum of Fine Arts with newfound appreciation and curiosity.

And who knows? Perhaps after watching the documentary, you’ll be inspired to explore more of Malta’s hidden artistic treasures. There’s more to our cultural heritage than meets the eye, and every discovery is a chance to learn something new about ourselves and our place in the world.