What a Human Being Is - Hilma af Klint

This abstract painting by Hilma af Klint features geometric shapes and soft colours, reflecting her interest in spiritualism and the exploration of human existence. The composition includes circles, hearts, and spirals, creating a sense of harmony and balance.

Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was a Swedish artist and mystic whose paintings are considered among the first abstract works in Western art history. She produced a body of work that predates the more widely known abstract compositions of artists like Kandinsky and Mondrian. Af Klint believed that she was acting as a medium, channeling messages from spiritual guides to create her art. She often worked in series, exploring complex spiritual and philosophical ideas through symbolic forms and colours. 'What a Human Being Is' exemplifies af Klint's unique visual language. The painting features a composition of geometric shapes, including circles, hearts, and spirals, rendered in soft, ethereal colours. A central vertical element, resembling a spinal column or a ladder, connects the upper and lower sections of the painting. The colour palette is dominated by pastel shades of pink, white, blue, and yellow, creating a sense of harmony and balance. The lower portion of the painting includes a fan-like arrangement of coloured segments, adding a dynamic element to the overall design. The work invites contemplation on the nature of human existence and the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms.