Self-portrait. Hilma af Klint (1862-1944). Date of painting unknown. Hilma af Klint Foundation. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
By Nina Heyn – Your Culture Scout
The fact that painter Hilma af Klint has been unknown in the history of modern art is not that surprising. That even now she remains unknown is a bit more controversial.
There are several reasons for Hilma’s artistic obscurity, including in her native Sweden. During her active years in the early part of the 20th century, she exhibited only once, and most of her artwork was kept in storage not just during her lifetime but for decades afterwards. As a woman and a spiritualist, she was also shunned by mainstream art and cultural authorities. She remains relatively unknown because almost all her important paintings are kept together by her family foundation, outside any major museums. In other words – since her paintings aren’t owned by any modern art museums and they are not available for purchase by collectors, Hilma’s art remains obscure even though studying her art would revise the history of art entirely.
Hello William,
I just looked it up that there seems to be a book called “Hilma af Klint The Visionary” but I have never seen this book so I cannot really tell you if it is worth buying/reading. There may have been a catalog in English for her 1986 exhibition in LA but I have not seen it either. She is, as my article says, unfortunately quite unknown…
Hilma is fascinating. Are there any books about her in English? Thanks.
It looks like Hilma had a great grasp of the use of watercolor and that is difficult…this is a very quiet yet emotive portrait. Thanks.
You are welcome. I was amazed that her “10 Large Works” on paper have survived for decades in an attic.
Very interesting read on Hilma, such incredible work!