Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) was a Swedish artist and pioneer of abstract art, creating non-representational paintings years before artists like Kandinsky, Mondrian, and Malevich. A deeply spiritual person, she was influenced by Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, and séances, believing that her artwork was guided by higher forces.
Her most famous series, The Paintings for the Temple (1906–1915), features bold colors, geometric shapes, and organic forms, symbolizing cosmic and spiritual ideas. Af Klint kept much of her work private, convinced the world was not yet ready for it, and stipulated that it remain unseen for decades after her death. Rediscovered in the late 20th century, she is now recognized as a visionary who redefined modern art and abstraction.