hilma af klint's paintings transformed into psychedelic VR show at fotografiska new york

Fotografiska New York Presents Hilma af Klint: The Temple

Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) is one of Sweden’s renowned artists and is widely known for her abstract paintings inspired by nature and the occult. Among her many dreams, she envisioned a spiral-shaped building to house her important works. Her desire was to situate it on a Swedish island, yet this ambitious vision remained confined to the realm of imagination for decades. More than a century later, Hilma af Klint’s dream has been resurrected within the walls of Fotografiska New York, brought to life through modern technology in the form of an all-encompassing 360º VR experience. This exhibition, named The Temple, takes visitors on a cosmic journey, from traversing the Milky Way to exploring enigmatic natural spirals, culminating in an immersive encounter with her most significant artworks. The 12-minute show will be on view from October 23 to November 19.

The Temple, takes visitors on a cosmic journey | all images courtesy of Fotografiska New York

A VR Journey into Hilma af Klint’s Artistic Realm

Hilma af Klint: The Temple unfolds at Fotografiska New York (find more here) in Chapel Bar, situated next to the museum’s lobby. The exhibition, authored by Kurt Almqvist and Daniel Birnbaum introduces 193 of af Klint’s paintings in a format that makes a significant portion of her artistic legacy available to audiences who have not seen her paintings in person. Accessible through VR headsets, it offers a surreal and psychedelic voyage into the profound and revelatory world of Hilma af Klint’s art. The VR artwork is directed by Marika Stolpe at Stolpe Publishing (find more here), and designed and built by Acute Art (find more here) to accompany the artist’s seven-volume catalog raissoné. The Creative Director is Rodrigo Marques, and the music was composed by Andrew Sheriff.

On November 2, 2023, Fotografiska New York is scheduled to host a catalog raisonné book discussion featuring the distinguished art historian Daniel Birnbaum, the director of Acute Art, and co-editor of the catalog raissoné, alongside Tracey Bashkoff, Senior Director of Collections and Senior Curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, who also curated the widely acclaimed exhibition Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future in 2018-2019.

‘We are delighted to honor Fotografiska’s Swedish roots by bringing the mystical world of Hilma af Klint to New York inside our Chapel Bar,’ said Sophie Wright, Executive Director of Fotografiska New York. ‘The Temple takes its viewers into a spiritual, spiraling temple dedicated to her work and brings her vision to life—a fitting experience to have inside a former Chapel complete with stained glass and circular seating. This pioneering work of art and technology—like the artist’s work—is nothing short of extraordinary.’

the VR show makes a significant portion of af Klint’s artistic legacy available to audiences who have not seen her paintings in person