Meet Hilma af Klint, the Occultist Who Believed Otherworldly Spirits Told Her What to Paint. Now, She's Considered One of History's First Abstract Artists
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Hilma af Klint was a Swedish painter who created abstract works influenced by her belief in communicating with spirits. A new exhibition in France showcases her series 'Paintings for the Temple,' which she completed between 1906 and 1915. Af Klint's innovative art predated many contemporary movements, yet she chose to keep her work hidden until after her death.
- ▪Hilma af Klint began creating abstract art in 1906, years before artists like Wassily Kandinsky.
- ▪She completed 193 works for her 'Paintings for the Temple' series, which are now considered among the first abstract compositions.
- ▪Af Klint's art was influenced by her involvement in occult practices and her belief in spiritual communication.
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Meet Hilma af Klint, the Occultist Who Believed Otherworldly Spirits Told Her What to Paint. Now, She’s Considered One of History’s First Abstract Artists The Swedish painter created bold, vibrant works as early as 1906—several years before contemporaries like Wassily Kandinsky. A new exhibition in France celebrates her sweeping “Paintings for the Temple” series Ellen Wexler | Writer and Special Projects Editor May 29, 2026 12:08 p.m. ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source Detail from Hilma af Klint's Retable, No. 1 (1915) Hilma af Klint Foundation / The Moderna Museet, Stockholm When Hilma af Klint was in her 30s, she began holding séances with a group of women known as the Five.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
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