Hilma af Klint became known to a wider audience in 2013, nearly 70 years after her death, in conjunction with Moderna Museet’s Stockholm exhibition Hilma af Klint: Abstract Pioneer. Six years later, her work was exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Both exhibitions saw record numbers of visitors, and today she is one of the world’s most acclaimed artists.
Hilma af Klint has become incredibly popular and beloved throughout the world, notes Daniel Birnbaum, co-editor with Kurt Almqvist. What makes her art interesting is that the works are highly interconnected. A catalogue raisonné is necessary in order to see the different cycles, motifs and symbols that recur in a fascinating way. If people want to truly understand how Hilma af Klint’s works function, they need these books.
The paintings in the catalogue raisonné are presented in the same order as Olof Sundström, also a follower of anthroposophy, numbered them in 1945, based on Hilma af Klint’s notes. The forewords to the volumes are short and concise. They present facts about the works rather than interpretations. The works are printed in an exclusive edition designed by Patric Leo housed in a specially produced slipcase to hold all seven volumes.
These books will be essential in all future research on Hilma af Klint’s artistry --- Daniel Birnbaum.
Today Hilma af Klint is recognised as one of the world’s most esteemed artists – an unprecedented triumph. Hilma af Klint’s time is now. Her art has become an important part of our Swedish cultural heritage. Few artists have been given the privilege of a catalogue raisonné. Thanks to Bokförlaget Stolpe’s comprehensive work, we now have the opportunity to become acquainted with the entirety of Hilma af Klint’s artistry. This would not have been possible without the support of the Axel and Margaret Ax:son Johnson Foundation for Public Benefit. As chairman of The Hilma af Klint Foundation, I would like to convey my warmest thanks. -- Ulrika af Klint, Chair, The Hilma af Klint Foundation.
