Group IX/SUW, The Swan, No. 9 (1915)
Created between 1914 and 1915, 'Group IX/SUW, The Swan, No. 9' is an extraordinary embodiment of Hilma af Klint's exploration of spirituality and abstraction. Part of a larger series known as 'The Swan,' this painting delves into the dualities of masculine and feminine energy, portrayed through intricate geometric shapes and vibrant colors. af Klint's innovative approach, characterized by her unique symbolic language and profound philosophical influences, makes this work a pivotal example of early abstract art.
1914 - 1915
About the Artwork
Hilma af Klint, a Swedish artist and mystic, was a trailblazer in the realm of abstract art, creating her significant works long before many of her contemporaries. 'Group IX/SUW, The Swan, No. 9' reflects her fascination with combining spiritual themes and artistic expression. The painting belongs to the larger 'Swan' series, through which af Klint sought to illustrate the balance between opposing forces in a visual form. The swan, a symbol deeply intertwined with conventional notions of love and beauty, is reinterpreted in this series to signify deeper philosophical inquiries involving gender, spirituality, and the cosmos. Her involvement with a group known as 'The Five' opened avenues for her exploration, leading her to integrate her spiritual beliefs influenced by Theosophy, further enriching her artistic vision.
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Did You Know
Hilma af Klint is often credited as one of the first abstract artists, creating non-representational works that predate those of contemporaries like Kandinsky and Mondrian, yet she remained largely unknown until recent years.
Af Klint’s artistic vision was profoundly influenced by Theosophy, a spiritual movement that sought to explore the underlying unity of all religions and the nature of the universe, which she incorporated into her symbolic art.
Hilma af Klint was part of a circle of women artists known as ‘The Five,’ who met regularly to explore spiritual themes and the potential for women’s creative expression in an era when women’s contributions to art were often overlooked.
