Could Hilma af Klint’s Artwork Be Taken Out of Public Display?

# The Debate Over Hilma af Klint’s Legacy: Art or Spiritual Manuscripts?

## Introduction

Hilma af Klint, a Swedish painter and spiritualist, has gained widespread recognition as a pioneer of abstract art. However, recent decisions by the Hilma af Klint Foundation—the organization responsible for preserving her legacy—have sparked a heated debate. Erik af Klint, board chair of the foundation and the artist’s great-grandnephew, is advocating for a drastic shift: removing Hilma af Klint’s body of work from public and commercial access. Instead, he suggests restricting it to a temple accessible only to spiritual seekers meeting specific criteria.

## The Foundation’s Rule and Erik af Klint’s Position

According to Erik, one of the foundation’s statutes states that Hilma’s work should not be considered traditional art but rather as sacred transcriptions of her spiritual communications. As a result, he argues that her works should not be displayed in galleries or museums but should instead be housed in a temple where only those seeking spiritual enlightenment can view them.

Furthermore, Erik insists that the foundation’s governing documents mandate that her works should be accessible only to individuals with a “sympathetic attitude” toward the foundation’s purpose. Consequently, he believes the commercialization of Hilma af Klint’s paintings—including their use in NFTs, socks, and other merchandise—is a betrayal of her spiritual mission.

## Dispute within the Hilma af Klint Foundation

Erik af Klint’s views have put him at odds with other board members of the foundation. In 2023, he filed a lawsuit against his colleagues, accusing them of commercializing Hilma’s work for personal gain. He opposed an agreement that would have placed her work under the representation of the prominent David Zwirner Gallery, calling it a “hostile takeover” that prioritized profit over her spiritual values.

His concerns about commercialization are not baseless. Hilma af Klint’s popularity surged after the 2018 *Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future* exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The exhibition introduced her work to a global audience, elevating her status as a key figure in the history of abstraction. But according to Erik, such public displays undermine the intent of Hilma’s work and contradict the foundation’s principles.

## The Other Side of the Argument

The other board members—Ulf Wagner, Katarina de Voto, Juhani Selvani, and Anders Kumlander—reject Erik’s interpretation of the foundation’s mandate. While they acknowledge Hilma’s spiritual focus, they argue that her works should remain available to researchers and the general public. They have commissioned an external investigation on the feasibility of establishing a permanent museum for Hilma’s paintings.

Moreover, the board contends that the foundation must adapt its interpretation of Hilma’s mission to fit contemporary contexts. Over the years, previous boards have worked to make her work accessible, a practice that they believe aligns with her overall purpose.

## Artistic or Spiritual Preservation?

This debate raises crucial questions: Should Hilma af Klint’s work be safeguarded as a sacred spiritual manuscript, accessible only to a select few? Or should it remain available to a broader audience as significant contributions to modern art? While Erik’s perspective is rooted in protecting the purity of Hilma’s vision, the rest of the board believes that limiting access would prevent future generations from engaging with and appreciating her work.

Ultimately, Hilma af Klint’s legacy hangs in the balance as legal disputes and ideological differences continue to shape the future of her paintings. Whether they remain in public galleries or are moved into a secluded spiritual setting, her work has undeniably left a lasting imprint on both art history and spirituality.

## Conclusion

As the controversy unfolds, art lovers, scholars, and spiritual seekers alike continue to ponder the true nature of Hilma af Klint’s work. Should her work be treated as sacred messages beyond commercialization, or should it continue to be celebrated by a global audience? Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: Hilma af Klint’s paintings will continue to inspire discussion, fascination, and reverence for years to come.