Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was a Swedish painter and one of the pioneers of abstract art in the early 20th century. Her work, which was often characterized by bold colors, geometric shapes, and spiritual themes, predates many of the better-known abstract artists of the time, including Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich. Here are some key points about Hilma af Klint and her contributions to art:1. **Early Life and Training:** Hilma af Klint was born on October 26, 1862, in Stockholm, Sweden. She came from a family of artists and was exposed to art from a young age. She studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm.2. **Spiritual Interests:** Af Klint was deeply interested in spirituality, mysticism, and the occult. She was associated with various spiritual and esoteric movements of her time, including Theosophy and Anthroposophy. These interests would significantly influence her art.3. **The Five:** Af Klint was a member of a group of spiritualist artists known as "The Five" (De Fem), which included four other female artists. Together, they explored spiritual and occult themes in their artwork.4. **Abstract Art:** Af Klint is considered one of the earliest abstract artists. Her abstract works, created in the early 1900s, predate the more famous abstract movements of the 1910s and 1920s. She used bold colors, geometric shapes, and non-representational forms in her paintings.5. **Automatic Drawing:** Af Klint often used a form of automatic drawing, where she would allow her hand to move freely, guided by spiritual or intuitive forces. This technique contributed to the abstract and non-representational nature of her work.6. **Series and Themes:** Many of af Klint's works were part of series or thematic groups. She explored themes related to the spiritual and theosophical, including her series "The Paintings for the Temple," which was intended for a spiritual center that was never built.7. **Exhibition Challenges:** Due to the unconventional and avant-garde nature of her work, af Klint's abstract art was not widely exhibited during her lifetime. She stipulated in her will that her abstract work should not be shown publicly until 20 years after her death, believing that the world was not ready for it.8. **Recognition:** In recent years, Hilma af Klint's contributions to abstract art and her pioneering role in the development of non-representational art have gained recognition. Her work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, and she is now celebrated as a trailblazer of abstract art.Hilma af Klint's work represents a fascinating intersection of art, spirituality, and mysticism. Her early exploration of abstract art and her unique approach to abstraction continue to captivate art enthusiasts and scholars, underscoring her importance in the history of modern art.
Measures 20 x 26.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.