Hilma af Klint

The dove series (and The swan series) explores the symbolism of birds as creatures that inhabit land, sea and sky. Its central theme is the creation of matter from light. Appearing in only some of the paintings, birds are shown moving downwards from upper to lower realms, symbolically linking spirit with matter and heaven with earth, and reflecting Hilma af Klint’s desire to overcome dualities and achieve a state of harmony.

The artist fuses elements of religious and cosmological iconography, creating new sacred images for a modern world. The dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit in Christianity, is more broadly considered an emblem of peace and a messenger of the divine. In some paintings, miniature figures are embedded within larger images – tiny depictions of the Holy Family, and angels with crossed swords. There are also references to science (for example the spirals that prefigure the discovery of DNA’s double helix), mathematics and geometry, colour theory and zodiacal signs. Moving smoothly between abstract form and figurative symbolism, the series progresses towards serenity and wholeness.