This is such an amazing time in the history of art!
When Hilda writes: “I am an atom in the universe that has access to infinite possibilities of development”, she was in the midst of an explosion of not only human awareness, but human expression.
We know that science was declaring the existence of things we cannot see because of scale, such as the Curies’ atomic discoveries. But consider Hilma’s spiritual work! This was a period of revolution for the very idea of representing purely abstract entities in abstract, rather than ‘personified’ or narrative visualizations. Consider early works in visual music accompaniment and abstractions of the 1920’s and 30’s, of the psychic universe, etc.
Planes of abstract contours that it would take a century of technology to be able to render immersively were alive, bubbling in the minds of these artists. What an extraordinary Notebook!
Absolutely! Hilma was so inspired by the advancement in science, including the discovery of the Curie’s who were rendering “the invisible, visible.” It was an effervescent time for creativity on all fronts!
There is a certain quiet and reverence that the world requires these days. A centering amidst the turmoil. Hilda did not sacrifice her artistic expression, she honored it. Her dedication to making marks, and being receptive to messages, has inspired me to honor my own artistic journey. Making time in the day for this is time well spent. I stay can connected to noble pursuits.
I visited his exhibition at the Guggenheim in Bilbao and it was impressive. Art and esotericism connected. Hilma was a channeler and connected with the fifth dimension. I could see that on one piece he wrote Ave Maria. Those of us who know the powerful word...
The Guggenheim exhibit was one of my favorite shows I’ve ever experienced. Hilma truly was a channeler and the messages she brought forth are so astonishing.
Thank you so much for this revelatory piece. As an artist, dancer, transmedium and researcher it is rewarding and validating to learn about Hanna. I’m inspired to learn more. I read the Seven Senses as well and know you are engaged with the LA fires. Deep bows to you soul to soul today and in the days to come.
Thanks Cynthia! As an artist and writer myself, Hilma is such an inspiration - especially her perseverance and creative faith, despite very few people responding to her work during her lifetime. Yet she knew that her art was meant for a future generation and continued to create, guided by the spirit world. And thank you for the supportive words during this difficult time in L.A 🧡
Wow, wow, and wow. A woman ahead of her time on several counts. How I wish I'd been able to see the Guggenheim exhibit! I'm going to check out the virtual tour 👁
Thank you for writing this Sabrina, I enjoyed reading it! Klint's note indicating that certain works shouldn't be shown until years after her death seems particularly relevant given the recent news of tensions between her foundation (seems like one family member specifically) and the gallery that represents her estate. Makes me wonder how she would want her work to be handled now. Impossible to know but it'll be interesting to see how that situation resolves. Thinking of everyone in your city.
That’s so interesting that there’s been some contention between her foundation and the estate. I wonder if that’s arises from her popularity in recent years. Like you, I wonder how she’d like her work handled… she was clear on her intention about works shown after her death but beyond that, there are no specifics.
It does seem like the result of newfound interest in her work. From what I read (on artnet) her great grandnephew thinks David Zwirner is going to commercialize her work and that’s not what she would have wanted. (How he knows what she’d prefer, seems unclear maybe some of her mediumness got passed down!) But it seems like Zwirner is interested in making sure more people can see her work not necessarily solely focusing on selling it. Hopefully it all ends up well.
Such a fascinating essay from Sabrina! I used to think revelations such as Hilma’s were “personal”. Ie they merely revealed something specific about the psyche of the individual. Their buried urges, needs, fears, whatever.
But in past several years as I’ve taken a deep dive into spiritual esoterica, near death experiences and the work of scientists like Frederico Faggin (inventor of first commercial microprocessor ) and Iain McGilchrist (“The Master and his Emmisaries”), I’ve found a very clear consistency to all of it. These aren’t just squishy, woo woo fantasies, but reportage of real and actual “truths”.
It’s fascinating that the messages are consistent, despite the individuals (or times in history) being wildly different. Curious to read more about the scientists you mention here - thanks for sharing!
Thank you Sandija! Sadly there’s many examples of women’s work being overlooked. Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize (along with her husband), but it stirred a lot of controversy at the time!
Honored to share Hilma’s work with the Noted community- thanks Jillian for the opportunity ✨💛
I learned so much from you, Sabrina! So happy to be able to feature your work here.
💛💛
This is such an amazing time in the history of art!
When Hilda writes: “I am an atom in the universe that has access to infinite possibilities of development”, she was in the midst of an explosion of not only human awareness, but human expression.
We know that science was declaring the existence of things we cannot see because of scale, such as the Curies’ atomic discoveries. But consider Hilma’s spiritual work! This was a period of revolution for the very idea of representing purely abstract entities in abstract, rather than ‘personified’ or narrative visualizations. Consider early works in visual music accompaniment and abstractions of the 1920’s and 30’s, of the psychic universe, etc.
Planes of abstract contours that it would take a century of technology to be able to render immersively were alive, bubbling in the minds of these artists. What an extraordinary Notebook!
Absolutely! Hilma was so inspired by the advancement in science, including the discovery of the Curie’s who were rendering “the invisible, visible.” It was an effervescent time for creativity on all fronts!
There is a certain quiet and reverence that the world requires these days. A centering amidst the turmoil. Hilda did not sacrifice her artistic expression, she honored it. Her dedication to making marks, and being receptive to messages, has inspired me to honor my own artistic journey. Making time in the day for this is time well spent. I stay can connected to noble pursuits.
Beautiful observation Karen, thank you. I agree, we do need “quiet and reverence” even when it’s hard to prioritize that in our modern lives.
I visited his exhibition at the Guggenheim in Bilbao and it was impressive. Art and esotericism connected. Hilma was a channeler and connected with the fifth dimension. I could see that on one piece he wrote Ave Maria. Those of us who know the powerful word...
The Guggenheim exhibit was one of my favorite shows I’ve ever experienced. Hilma truly was a channeler and the messages she brought forth are so astonishing.
The museum’s website has a virtual tour for anyone who is interested.
Oh that’s so great to know! So glad that people worldwide can get a glimpse of Hilma’s work!
Thank you so much for this revelatory piece. As an artist, dancer, transmedium and researcher it is rewarding and validating to learn about Hanna. I’m inspired to learn more. I read the Seven Senses as well and know you are engaged with the LA fires. Deep bows to you soul to soul today and in the days to come.
Thanks Cynthia! As an artist and writer myself, Hilma is such an inspiration - especially her perseverance and creative faith, despite very few people responding to her work during her lifetime. Yet she knew that her art was meant for a future generation and continued to create, guided by the spirit world. And thank you for the supportive words during this difficult time in L.A 🧡
Wow, wow, and wow. A woman ahead of her time on several counts. How I wish I'd been able to see the Guggenheim exhibit! I'm going to check out the virtual tour 👁
She truly was! Such a visionary!
Thank you for writing this Sabrina, I enjoyed reading it! Klint's note indicating that certain works shouldn't be shown until years after her death seems particularly relevant given the recent news of tensions between her foundation (seems like one family member specifically) and the gallery that represents her estate. Makes me wonder how she would want her work to be handled now. Impossible to know but it'll be interesting to see how that situation resolves. Thinking of everyone in your city.
That’s so interesting that there’s been some contention between her foundation and the estate. I wonder if that’s arises from her popularity in recent years. Like you, I wonder how she’d like her work handled… she was clear on her intention about works shown after her death but beyond that, there are no specifics.
It does seem like the result of newfound interest in her work. From what I read (on artnet) her great grandnephew thinks David Zwirner is going to commercialize her work and that’s not what she would have wanted. (How he knows what she’d prefer, seems unclear maybe some of her mediumness got passed down!) But it seems like Zwirner is interested in making sure more people can see her work not necessarily solely focusing on selling it. Hopefully it all ends up well.
Exquisite post, Sabrina. Thinking of you! (Sabrina+Jillian=✨)
Thanks Jolene. Dream team ✨
Indeed!✨
Such a fascinating essay from Sabrina! I used to think revelations such as Hilma’s were “personal”. Ie they merely revealed something specific about the psyche of the individual. Their buried urges, needs, fears, whatever.
But in past several years as I’ve taken a deep dive into spiritual esoterica, near death experiences and the work of scientists like Frederico Faggin (inventor of first commercial microprocessor ) and Iain McGilchrist (“The Master and his Emmisaries”), I’ve found a very clear consistency to all of it. These aren’t just squishy, woo woo fantasies, but reportage of real and actual “truths”.
It’s fascinating that the messages are consistent, despite the individuals (or times in history) being wildly different. Curious to read more about the scientists you mention here - thanks for sharing!
Beautifully written and researched. It seems a common theme for women's work to be overlooked - Marie Curie also being a case in point.
Thank you Sandija! Sadly there’s many examples of women’s work being overlooked. Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize (along with her husband), but it stirred a lot of controversy at the time!
Absolutely fascinating! Gorgeous work.
Thanks Lauren! ☺️
Congrats for the post! Very interesante ✨
So interesting! Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it, Nina! ✨
Good article. I attended an exhibition of her paintings in the Hague and it was spectacular.
Thanks Nenad. I love hearing how much her work has been exhibited worldwide in recent years. She’s finally receiving the attention she deserves!