The Art and Life of Hilma af Klint

The creators provide an in-depth examination of the work of Swedish artist Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) in this probing picture book introduction. Novelistic episodes by Hillström demonstrate Af Klint’s fascination with the spiritual during an era when scientists, from Edison to Einstein, were showing how “the world is filled with invisible waves.” During a séance, Af Klint is called to illustrate “the invisible world” of the spirits. She dedicates her life to the task, making more than 1,000 paintings, not to be revealed until 20 years after her death. “The spirits told her which signs and symbols to paint.... But what did it all mean? Even Hilma herself didn’t know.” Contextualizing boxes, as well as cameos of Wassily Kandinsky and Rudolf Steiner, situate Af Klint in relation to spiritualism, theosophy, and abstract art’s origins. Against plain white backgrounds, Eklund’s delicate drawings capture the subject, outlined in red, at work, while reproductions of her paintings provide a glimpse into her enigmatic art. Ages 8–12. (Feb.)