Series Context

The painting is part of "The Seven-Pointed Star" series, which is included in the larger body of work known as "The Paintings for the Temple." This series was created under the guidance of what af Klint believed were her spiritual guides or "High Masters," who instructed her to paint three sets of seven paintings at seven-day intervals.

Technique and Style

The painting, titled "The Seven-Pointed Star, The WUS/Seven-Pointed Star Series, Group V, No. 2" (though the specific title for No. 1 is not detailed, the techniques are consistent across the series), is executed in tempera, gouache, and graphite on paper, mounted on canvas. It features gracefully simplified forms and colors, anticipating key aspects of Modernist abstraction that would emerge in the following decade.

Symbolism

The seven-pointed star is a symbol rich in various spiritual and occult traditions. It represents the seven days of Creation in Christianity, the seventh sphere of the Tree of Life in kabbalistic Judaism, the first seven verses of the Quran in Islam, and the seven known planets in the solar system in alchemy. It is also associated with divine perfection and other sacred meanings across different beliefs.

Creative Process

Hilma af Klint described her creative process for these paintings as being guided by a force that literally directed her hand. She painted without preliminary drawings, working swiftly and surely without changing any brush strokes. This method reflects her belief in being a conduit for spiritual messages.

Significance

"The Seven-Pointed Star" series, along with her other works, places Hilma af Klint as a pioneer in abstract art, predating the purely abstract compositions of artists like Kandinsky, Malevich, and Mondrian. Her work embodies a unique blend of spiritual and artistic exploration, making her a significant figure in the history of modern art.