In the vast tapestry of art history, one thread persistently weaves a narrative: the interplay between spirituality and artistic expression. Artists and designers throughout the ages have been captivated by the ethereal realms, seeking to channel the transcendental through their creations.

At the heart of this odyssey lies the artist Hilma Af Klint, whose recent exhibition at Tate Modern bestowed upon viewers a glimpse into her visionary world. A parallel revelation emerged as her work shared the stage with that of Piet Mondrian, two artists whose paths never physically crossed but whose artistic languages spoke in a sort of serendipitous unison. Both Af Klint and Mondrian embarked on their own distinct quests—and their impetus? A yearning to unravel the mysterious forces that shape existence.

Hilma af Klint, born in 1862 in Sweden, was a pioneering artist whose profound spiritual explorations and visionary artworks continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Her unique blend of symbolism and abstract expressionism transcends the conventional artistic boundaries of their time, inviting viewers into a realm of spiritual contemplation and metaphysical inquiry. Despite being largely overlooked during her lifetime, af Klint's work has experienced a resurgence in recent years, affirming her status as a conduit with a penchant for abstract art, and a visionary ahead of her time.

What sets Af Klint apart is her exploration of spirituality, a topic that is currently garnering significant attention in the public sphere. Through her highly esoteric paintings, adorned with symbols like petals, suns, seeds, planets, radiant triangles, tendrils, and discs, she delves into metaphysical and mystical realms, inviting viewers to contemplate the deeper dimensions of existence. Her profound artistic vision resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

"Hilma af Klint's artistic resurgence is a testament to her visionary brilliance and the enduring appeal of her work," says Julia Voss, a renowned art historian. "Over the past decade, her paintings have emerged from obscurity, captivating audiences worldwide and earning her a place among esteemed artists like Kahlo, Kandinsky, and Malevich."

Af Klint's newfound rise to prominence is a testament to her foresight and the enduring relevance of her art. Even in her lifetime, she seemed to understand that her paintings would find their rightful appreciation in the future. In fact, upon her death, she left instructions that her extensive body of work remain hidden from public view for another two decades, anticipating that future audiences would be more receptive to its enigmatic beauty. Her foresight proved accurate when the Guggenheim's retrospective in 2018 became the most successful exhibition in the museum's history. According to Voss, "The upcoming exhibition at Tate Modern, showcasing Hilma af Klint's artwork alongside Piet Mondrian's, signifies a significant milestone in recognising her profound contributions to the art world. Her exploration of spirituality through intricate symbols and esoteric themes strikes a chord with contemporary audiences."

Af Klint's artistic endeavours and spiritualist beliefs intertwine seamlessly within her works. She was a member of a collective known as "The Five," a group of women who drew inspiration from theosophy. United by a shared belief in the significance of attempting to communicate with the elusive "High Masters," they often engaged in séances as a means of connection. Af Klint's paintings, akin to intricate diagrams, served as visual expressions of intricate spiritual concepts. In her W Series from 1913, she manifests a mesmerizing "Tree of Knowledge," a realm that transcends the boundaries of reality. By 1920, her canvases depicted towering forms crowned with pointed tops, symbolizing a mystical connection with higher realms.

While some critics compare her to renowned modernists, such as Mondrian, the true essence of Af Klint's originality lies beyond the confines of conventional refinement. Her art is characterized by a deeply personal belief that her works were commissioned by a spiritual guide named Amaliel. Through a coded language of symbols and texts, ranging from dogs and snails to crosses, Af Klint aimed to evoke spiritual transcendence for humanity. This pursuit culminates in her monumental series, "The Ten Largest," which combines pure abstraction with botanical forms to portray world religions in symbolic harmony. Though uneven, the exhibition challenges the traditional male-dominated narrative of modernist art history, offering a captivating and thought-provoking experience.

Hilma af Klint's ethereal drawings, the 'Dornach Set' (c. 1917-19), seamlessly melded scientific observation and spiritual sensibilities, unveiling her profound belief in the intangible forces permeating the natural realm. In her book "The Other Side," Jennifer Higgie illuminates the interplay between the occult, unconventional artistic practices, and the modernist response to the aftermath of World War I. Over the past decade, af Klint's enigmatic artistry has transcended obscurity, captivating a global following.

Her vivid canvases, adorned with vibrant hues, varying scales, and a harmonious blend of organic and architectural elements, have found resonance across a range of mediums, from printed reproductions to fashionable accessories, home decor, and digital platforms. Notably, Pharrell Williams recently collaborated with Acute Art to introduce af Klint's revered 'Paintings for the Temple' as NFTs, accompanied by an immersive augmented-reality experience entitled The Hilma af Klint Walk.

Af Klint's work, along with the broader context of the exhibition, raises compelling questions about the interplay between art and spirituality in contemporary society. How does spirituality continue to inspire and inform the creative processes of artists today? The resurgence of interest in Af Klint's art sheds light on the enduring significance of spirituality within the artistic realm. Her recent surge in popularity reflects a growing recognition of her status as a pioneer of abstraction, surpassing even the fame of Mondrian. It is a testament to the profound impact that spiritual exploration can have on artistic expression.

Perhaps Af Klint's exhibition prompts us to ponder the broader implications of the supernatural within art today. It serves as a reminder that spirituality transcends the boundaries of time, providing artists with a deep wellspring of inspiration. By embracing the supernatural, artists tap into realms beyond the material, offering new perspectives and interpretations. The exhibition also operates above any notion that art should be detached from spiritual contemplation or influence. It suggests that contemporary artists have the freedom to infuse their work with mystical dimensions, encouraging viewers to engage with the numinous and transcendental. In many art circles, there has been a tendency to emphasize the intellectual, conceptual, or formal aspects of art while downplaying or neglecting its spiritual dimensions.

Amrita Dhallu, Assistant Curator at Tate, notes the significance of showcasing Af Klint's pieces alongside Piet Mondrian's, stating, "The exhibition highlights the shared interest these artists had in exploring new ideas of scientific discovery, philosophy, and spirituality. Through Af Klint's large-scale, otherworldly paintings believed to be commissioned by higher powers, the exhibition immerses visitors in a world where vibrant signs, shapes, and colors evoke spiritual transcendence."

Dhallu further remarks, "The exhibition encourages viewers to engage with the deeper layers of human existence, opening up the possibility that art can be a vehicle for exploring existential questions, contemplating the divine, and provoking spiritual experiences. It suggests that the inclusion of spiritual themes and symbolism in art can elicit profound emotional and intellectual responses, creating connections that transcend the material world."

The collaborative Tate exhibition demonstrates how, by embracing the spiritual aspects of art, we expand our capacity for introspection, contemplation, and the exploration of the mysteries that lie beyond our immediate perception. As we stand at the crossroads of artistic creation and spiritual exploration, Af Klint's resurgence invites contemplation on the trajectory of art in the future. The art world’s newfound fascination with Af Klint's work suggests that the relationship between art and spirituality will remain a vibrant source of inspiration.

The exhibition at Tate Modern not only showcases af Klint's extraordinary oeuvre but also offers a profound commentary on the enduring relationship between art and spirituality. By juxtaposing her works with those of Piet Mondrian, the exhibition underscores the shared quest for spiritual enlightenment and artistic innovation that defined the early 20th century. Through af Klint's intricate symbols and enigmatic compositions, viewers are invited to transcend the material world and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. It’s an exhibition that tries to look beyond the hype to consider af Klint as an artist who drew from a wide range of sources and was herself pulled in different directions: guided by the spirits yet deeply engaged with scientific progress; precise in her technique yet with an urge to express herself freely; conservative in her political outlook yet radical in her determination to plough her own furrow.