This book explores the works of one of Sweden’s most esteemed artists, Hilma af Klint, alongside others in her artistic circle – and examines their inspirational influence on contemporary artists working today.
Swedish Ecstasy tells the story of renowned Swedish artist Hilma af Klint and her artistic circle as the country sought to reconcile religious beliefs with scientific advances at the turn of the 20th century. While Sweden has often been characterized as a Protestant nation of great engineers and entrepreneurs, the country’s spiritual life has long been governed by a less official current, visible in its art and literature. In the early 20th century, mysticism and esoteric speculation ran through the works of some of Sweden’s most important artistic and literary figures.
This book explores these mystic visions and their meaning with this intellectual and spiritual milieu. Contemporary artists Cecilia Edefalk, Carsten Höller, Christine Ödlund, Daniel Youssef, and Lars Olof Loeld contribute essays that show how these artworks continue to inspire today.
By:
Christine Odlund, Stephen McNeilly, James Brett, Briony Fer Edited by:
Daniel Birnbaum Imprint: Yale University Press Country of Publication: United States Dimensions:
Height: 270mm,
Width: 210mm,
ISBN:9780300273052 ISBN 10: 0300273053 Pages: 208 Publication Date:28 September 2023 Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Daniel Birnbaum is a Swedish art critic, theoretician and curator. He was director of the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm (2010–2018) and currently directs the VR company Acute Art in London.