Transcending Dichotomies: Hilma af Klint's Confluence of Science and Spiritualism in Atom and the Tree of Knowledge

Abstract

This dissertation examines the artistic abstraction and the convergence of scientific inquiry and spiritual venture as exemplified in the works of early modern artist Hilma af Klint (1862–1944). Influenced by scientific investigation and her encounters with mediumship, af Klint embarked on a creative odyssey that transcends traditional classifications within the art canon. Rejecting the idea that art, spirituality, and science are inherently separate spheres, af Klint endeavored to reconcile these apparently disparate domains in her body of work. Focusing on af Klint’s series Atom and the Tree of Knowledge, this study investigates the intricate interplay between organic and geometrical forms in her visual lexicon. By contextualizing af Klint’s art within the framework of early twentieth-century scientific advancements, particularly those related to the atom and quantum physics, this research elucidates the profound connections between her artistic vision and the evolving comprehension of the natural world. Through a meticulous examination of af Klint’s pioneering use of symbolism, this dissertation provides fresh insights into her revolutionary contributions to Abstract Art and her enduring significance as a visionary thinker. Transcending conventional dichotomies and embracing the interconnectedness of art, spirituality, and science, af Klint beckons a quest for new dimensions of understanding and imagination embodied in her distinctive diagrams and motifs. Moreover, this study enriches the acknowledgment of Hilma af Klint's complex impact on the narrative of art history by situating her work within broader discourse, including gender dynamics, cultural memory, and design analyses.