Hilma af Klint’s abstract painting fascinates many. Right now, a large retrospective exhibition is underway in Tokyo, the first of its kind in Asia. But international successes have caused conflicts around how Af Klint’s work should be best managed. According to Erik af Klint, whose grandfather founded the foundation, the art tax risks being split because of a “secret” agreement.
“Now this winter, the agreement would be signed with a gallery in New York,” he says.
When Hilma af Klint died, her work attacked a nephew, Erik af Klint’s grandfather. In 1972 he founded the Hilma foundation of Klint’s work with the mission to manage a unique collection of art, over 1300 works. The foundation’s board consists of five people; A chairman from the family and a majority from the anthroposophical company in Järna, where Hilma af Klint had connections.
“Have tried to make money at Hilma”
The cultural news has sought other members of the board, but they refer to the communicator Varg Gyllander.
– Yes, there was a discussion with a gallerist (art dealer David Zwirner, ed. Note) about making some works of art available for sale, but no one has said it should be sold now, he says.
Now Erik af Klint has turned to the district court in an attempt to replace the members of the foundation’s board.
– You have tried to make money at Hilma, he says.
Wolf Gyllander claims that this is not true, and that the members have, on the contrary, lost millions in equity.
Art in galleries or temples
The Board also does not agree on Hilma af Klint’s work should be shown to the public. According to the artist, several works were painted on behalf of a higher being. The statutes of the Board states that works must be available “for those who seek spiritual knowledge”.
According to Varg Gyllander, it is obvious that the public should be able to continue to take part in Klint’s work.
– The case has already been investigated and the investigator concluded that it is okay, he says.
Erik af Klint accuses the board of breaking both his grandfather and Hilma of Klint’s will.
– Hilma himself talked about temples. Grandfather wrote in the statutes that it is precisely spiritual applicant who should have access to works, he says and continues:
– I want to do everything to protect what the two (Hilma and Grandpa) sacrificed so much for.