Altarpiece No. 1, Group X (1915) by Hilma af Klint is a remarkable work that embodies her quest for spiritual understanding and transcendence through abstract art. Part of the Altarpieces series, this painting is rich in symbolic forms and colours that reflect af Klint’s deep involvement with spiritual philosophies, particularly her interest in Theosophy and Anthroposophy. She created Altarpiece No. 1 as a visual representation of her belief in the unity of all existence and the progression of spiritual enlightenment. The central form, an upward spiral flanked by radiant colours, suggests a journey or ascension, evoking the movement of the soul towards a higher state of consciousness. This work is not simply an expression of religious ideas but rather a synthesis of af Klint’s belief in art as a medium that connects the earthly realm with the divine.
The creation of Altarpiece No. 1 was influenced heavily by af Klint’s unique artistic process, which she felt was guided by spiritual forces. She was a member of a spiritualist group known as The Five, consisting of women who believed they could communicate with higher entities through seances and rituals. Af Klint believed that these entities communicated with her and guided her work, providing her with the inspiration and direction to create paintings that transcended her own conscious intentions. She referred to these creations as “commissioned” by the spirits, and this sense of divine inspiration is evident in the painting's ethereal quality. Her approach set her apart from her contemporaries, as her art was less about self-expression and more about conveying universal spiritual truths that she believed were channelled through her by these spiritual guides.
The symbolism in Altarpiece No. 1 is complex, with each shape and colour conveying different layers of meaning. The vertical, spiral-like form in the centre is often interpreted as a symbol of spiritual ascension, while the vibrant colours on either side may represent different stages of enlightenment or the balance of cosmic forces. This duality, a common theme in her work, illustrates af Klint’s belief in the unity of opposites—light and dark, masculine and feminine, material and spiritual. Her use of abstract forms and radiant hues represents an attempt to capture concepts beyond language and culture, making the painting a universal exploration of spiritual evolution. By presenting a form reminiscent of an altar, af Klint suggests that this journey of spiritual enlightenment is sacred, a personal and collective path to transcendence.
Hilma af Klint’s life and work were deeply influenced by her interest in esoteric spiritual movements, which were popular in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Sweden in 1862, af Klint trained as an academic painter but gradually moved towards abstraction as her spiritual beliefs grew stronger. She was influenced by the ideas of Theosophy and Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy, both of which emphasised the pursuit of knowledge beyond the material world. Although she created many revolutionary abstract works, af Klint chose not to exhibit them during her lifetime, believing that the world was not ready for her vision. She instructed that her works remain unseen for twenty years after her death, which has contributed to her delayed but now widely recognised status as a pioneer of abstract art.
Today, Altarpiece No. 1 is viewed not only as an artistic masterpiece but also as a profound meditation on the spiritual journey and human potential for transcendence. The painting invites viewers to reflect on their own path toward self-awareness and spiritual growth, resonating with those who share af Klint’s belief in a reality beyond the visible world. Her work has redefined the history of abstract art, positioning her as a visionary who bridged the material and spiritual realms through her unique approach to painting. The renewed interest in af Klint’s work underscores the timelessness of her vision and the universality of her spiritual message, illustrating how her art, rooted in personal beliefs and experiences, speaks to the collective human search for meaning and understanding.
