Group IX SUW, The Possibly 1915

Hilma af Klint’s painting ‘Group IX SUW, The’ presents a cosmic vision rendered with oil paint on canvas. Produced in Sweden, this composition emerges from a cultural context steeped in spiritualism and early abstract art. Klint's immersion in the Theosophical Society profoundly shaped her artistic vision; the painting seems to reflect the era's burgeoning interest in hidden dimensions of reality. We see theosophy in the symbolism and the exploration of transcendental themes. Yet, Klint’s work also critiques the male-dominated art world of her time by creating artworks, which she believed should not be seen until 20 years after her death. She was interested in the way her works would be received by future audiences. Further research into the archives of the Theosophical Society and exhibition records of early abstract art might shed more light on Hilma af Klint's unique vision and the meaning of art in the history of progressive social thought.