Hilma of Klint (1862-1944) was a Swedish artist and spiritual seeker who was well before her time. She fought the common discrimination against female artists and pioneered abstract art before other better known artists including Kandinsky and Mondrian. She painted this work as a young artist. In it she seems to be working out a spiritual theorem in paint. Her colors imply an organic approach while the Roman numerals deny it. Her use of shape, line and her varied composition are masterful elements of this abstraction. Her level of new thought and careful execution is timeless here and that proved to be a very good thing. You see Hilma of Klint did this and other paintings in a series entitled “The Paintings for the Temple.” She directed these to be displayed in a spiral temple but not until 20 years after her death. Her wishes were followed and the paintings were displayed at the Guggenheim, a spiral temple of sorts, in 2018 -2019. Hers was the most successful show ever held at that iconic New York City venue.

In these times we also have much to faithfully work out. Artmaking is a place for the mind and heart to join in free exploration of God’s beauty and truth beyond often inadequate words. Maybe when we feel discouraged and stuck, when words fail us, we should pick up a brush and let a still small voice do the rest.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church