Hilma af Klint, born in Solna, Sweden in 1862, was a pioneering abstract artist whose work predated many of her male counterparts. She studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm and initially worked within the conventional boundaries of landscape and portrait painting. Af Klint's early career took a significant turn when she became involved in spiritualism and Theosophy, which deeply influenced her artistic vision. From 1906 onwards, af Klint began creating abstract works that were groundbreaking in their use of color, form and symbolism. Her series "The Paintings for the Temple" is particularly notable, comprising large-scale, vibrantly colored works intended to convey spiritual concepts and universal truths. Her art was largely overlooked during her lifetime, partly due to her belief that the world was not yet ready to understand her abstract visions. Af Klint's works have since gained significant recognition and are now celebrated for their innovative and mystical qualities. Her art is held in major collections such as the Moderna Museet in Stockholm and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. She passed away in 1944, leaving behind a profound legacy that has reshaped the narrative of modern art history. Read more about Arts.
