Hilma af Klint: The Art of Seeing the Invisible

Scholars from diverse disciplines tackle the many questions posed by the work and life of abstraction pioneer Hilma af Klint. In this thorough critical appraisal, 20 specialists on modern art, art history, philosophy, and religious studies examine the unique art, the cultural circumstances, and art-historical positioning of Swedish abstractionist Hilma af Klint. The book is based on the seminars that were held in conjunction with the exhibition Hilma af Klint: A Pioneer of Abstraction in 2013, which attracted a record number of visitors to the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, and then continued to the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum in Berlin and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark.

Topics explored in the book range from early abstract art and the impact of Darwinism to Goethe's color theory, as well as the importance of occult religious movements such as theosophy and anthroposophy that influenced the early modernists. The discussions also include analyses of af Klint's own personal diary notes and research. The exhibition and the accompanying book have sparked renewed interest in the life and work of this pioneering abstract artist, whose significance was largely overlooked during her lifetime.

Hilma af Klint's art was deeply influenced by her involvement with various esoteric and spiritual movements, which informed her unique visual language and the themes she explored in her paintings. The book delves into the cultural and intellectual context that shaped her artistic vision, providing insights into the broader artistic and philosophical debates of the early 20th century. By examining af Klint's work through the lenses of modern art, art history, philosophy, and religious studies, the contributors to this volume offer a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of her groundbreaking contribution to the development of abstract art.

The book's exploration of af Klint's art and life also sheds light on the challenges faced by women artists in the early 20th century, who often struggled to gain recognition and acceptance within the male-dominated art world. Af Klint's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reevaluating and reinterpreting the canon of art history to ensure that the contributions of overlooked or marginalized artists are brought to the forefront.

Overall, the critical appraisal presented in this book represents a significant step forward in the scholarly understanding and appreciation of Hilma af Klint's pioneering role in the evolution of abstract art. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, the book offers a rich and nuanced perspective on this trailblazing artist, her influential work, and the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped her artistic vision.

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