Chaos, Nr. 2 - Hilma af Klint

An early abstract work by Hilma af Klint, featuring celestial forms and expressive brushwork that explore metaphysical themes.

Chaos, Nr. 2 is a work from the early twentieth century by the Swedish artist Hilma af Klint. This piece belongs to a period in which the artist moved away from traditional representational painting to explore spiritual and metaphysical concepts through abstraction. The composition features a dark, atmospheric background that suggests a cosmic or primordial state, punctuated by celestial forms and light-filled elements. Two distinct, circular shapes dominate the centre of the canvas. These forms are connected by a beam of light, which emanates from a yellow star-like motif. The application of paint is expressive, with visible brushwork that conveys a sense of motion and energy. The colour palette relies on deep blues, blacks, and greys, contrasted against the bright yellow of the stars and lighter, ethereal tones. Af Klint was deeply influenced by Theosophy and Anthroposophy, belief systems that sought to understand the hidden structures of the universe. Her work often functions as a visual record of these spiritual investigations. In this painting, the interplay between light and shadow, as well as the geometric arrangement of the central figures, suggests a dialogue between opposing forces. The work avoids rigid structure, opting instead for a fluid, organic quality that reflects the artist's interest in the unseen dimensions of reality. By focusing on symbolic representation, af Klint created a visual language that predates the more widely recognised movements of European abstraction. This print captures the texture and depth of the original oil painting, allowing for a close examination of the artist's technique and her unique approach to non-objective art.