The Grand Palais in Paris is hosting a major exhibition of geometric and symbolic paintings by Swedish artist Hilma af Klint [1].
The exhibition challenges the traditional timeline of art history by positioning af Klint as a forerunner of abstraction. Her work predates the recognized contributions of other abstract pioneers, such as Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian [3].
Af Klint, a Swedish painter and early pioneer of abstract art, created works that blended geometric precision with symbolic meaning [1, 2]. The current display in Paris focuses on her groundbreaking approach and the esoteric influences that shaped her vision [3].
The showcase was announced and opened in early May 2026 [2]. It aims to bring global attention to the visionary nature of her output, which remained largely unknown to the public for decades after she died. By placing her work in one of France's most prominent venues, the exhibition seeks to formalize her status as a primary architect of the abstract movement [1, 2].
Visitors can view a collection of paintings that emphasize her role as an artist ahead of her time [2]. The curated selection highlights how af Klint utilized spiritual and esoteric concepts to move beyond representational art, a shift that occurred before the movement was popularized by her male contemporaries [3].
The exhibition continues throughout May 2026, drawing crowds to the Grand Palais to experience the intersection of mysticism and modernism [1, 2].
“Hilma af Klint is a pioneer of abstraction”
This exhibition represents a significant shift in the art historical canon. By centering af Klint at the Grand Palais, curators are actively correcting the narrative that abstract art was primarily a male-driven European invention of the early 20th century, acknowledging instead the influence of female artists and spiritualism in the birth of non-representational painting.
