Hilma af Klint

This triptych marks the culmination of The paintings for the temple. Hilma af Klint referred to it as ‘the summary of the work thus far’, and intended for it to be viewed in the innermost part of a spiral temple, after visitors had seen all the other works. The importance of these paintings is emphasised by her use of metallic leaf, which gives them a special, luminous quality.

The Altarpieces appear to describe a bi-directional, theosophical view of evolution: ascending from a physical to a spiritual plane; and descending from a higher level of being to the material world. The large triangles in the first two paintings (see installation view) indicate these alternate evolutionary pathways, while the large golden orb in the third work expresses an enlightened state of harmony and unity. The spiralling helixes and rays of colour emitting from the orb generate a sense of forward momentum, while, at its centre, af Klint has adapted the theosophical symbol of the six-pointed star by depicting it in her familiar colour schema of yellow and blue.