Nearly eight years have passed since the groundbreaking retrospective of Swedish painter and occultist Hilma af Klint, titled Paintings for the Future, was showcased at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. This exhibition not only shattered conventional views on abstraction in art history but also propelled af Klint into the spotlight as a significant figure who had long been overlooked due to her commitment to spiritualism and Theosophy.
The renewed interest in af Klint's work sparked discussions about the sacred and supernatural, leading to the formation of Hilma's Ghost. This innovative collective, founded by artists Dannielle Tegeder and Sharmistha Ray, merges feminist research with esoteric practices, utilizing art as a means of community engagement and exploration.
Initially inspired by af Klint's exhibition in 2018, the collective truly took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic. While separated from their studios at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in Manhattan, Tegeder and Ray began virtual meetings to delve into themes of mortality and the often-neglected spiritualities of the past.
Tegeder, a professor at the City University of New York's Lehman College, has embraced tarot and witchcraft since her youth, while Ray, teaching at Carnegie Mellon University, explores themes of migration and queer identity through her art. Together, they aim to highlight how women and queer artists have historically been marginalized in the art world.
Hilma's Ghost has hosted numerous free online workshops, led by seasoned practitioners of ancient cosmologies, witchcraft, and tarot. These sessions aim to demystify esoteric practices and celebrate marginalized voices in art. As Tegeder notes, they consider themselves "believing skeptics," acknowledging the fears surrounding these topics, particularly among liberal audiences.
Despite the challenges, the workshops have attracted considerable interest, especially with the resurgence of tarot and other mystical practices. Over the past four years, the collective has organized workshops in museums and universities across the U.S., fostering an inclusive atmosphere for learning and sharing.
Their collaborative efforts culminated in the Abstract Futures Tarot, a project that features 78 unique drawings forming a tarot deck, alongside large paintings inspired by card readings. This work debuted at the 2021 Armory Show, reflecting a blend of geometric abstraction and mystical themes.
In addition to their artistic endeavors, Hilma's Ghost has created a stunning mosaic titled Abstract Futures at Grand Central Station, commissioned by the MTA Arts and Design program. This immersive mural integrates the tarot's major arcana into a vibrant narrative, engaging commuters and art enthusiasts alike.
Though based in different cities, the collective continues to thrive through public events and exhibitions. Their mission is to inspire others to explore experimental art practices and uplift underrepresented voices in the community.
As Tegeder emphasizes, their work is about fostering a collaborative spirit and encouraging diverse perspectives in the art world. The impact of Hilma's Ghost may resonate far beyond the gallery walls, inviting a broader dialogue on spirituality and creativity in contemporary society.