The Swan, No. 18 1914 - 1915

Hilma af Klint made "The Swan, No. 18" using oil paint on canvas. She built up the surfaces with thin washes of color, allowing the weave of the canvas to subtly show through. The textures and forms here are the result of layering different materials and processes. The subtle brushwork creates an atmospheric background against the stark geometric shapes. Af Klint embraced techniques associated with both traditional painting and theosophical diagramming, blending established artistic practices with the esoteric pursuit of spiritual knowledge. The precision and attention to detail suggest a labor-intensive process, a meditative act in itself. By combining careful planning with intuitive gestures, af Klint transcends the boundaries between representation and abstraction. The painting invites us to consider the rich interplay of material, process, and the artist's intention, challenging our understanding of art as purely visual or conceptual.