In 2019, I had the opportunity to attend the Hilma af Klint exhibition at the Guggenheim, and it was a transformative experience in my early artistic career. Walking through the spiraling gallery of the museum, I was struck by the vibrancy and psychedelic feel of her work—so ahead of its time yet largely unrecognized during her lifetime.

It was the first time I’d seen an artist like her—unapologetically feminine, even “girly,” spiritual, and experimental—given the serious institutional spotlight she deserved. Her bold use of abstraction, long before it became mainstream, and her commitment to exploring unseen worlds left me feeling validated. It was a reminder of how many groundbreaking voices are overlooked and how powerful it is when they finally receive their due recognition.

Hilma af Klint stands as a shining example of authenticity and vision in a world where creative pioneers often remain misunderstood until long after their work is completed. A trailblazer, she defied the conventions of her time to create spiritually-inspired abstract works that predated the more famous abstractions of artists like Kandinsky and Mondrian. Though largely unrecognized during her lifetime, her art has since become a beacon for those who dare to follow their own creative paths, no matter the skepticism they may face.

Her works were not just paintings but spiritual transmissions, created under the guidance of unseen forces she believed communicated through her. These paintings—over 1,000 in total—were intended for a future audience, one ready to understand the deeper meanings embedded in color, form, and sacred geometry.

The late 19th century was a period of discovery. Breakthroughs like radio waves and X-rays shattered conventional understanding, opening the door to new possibilities beyond the physical senses.

In 1896, Hilma and four fellow female artists formed an esoteric group known as The Five or Friday Club. Their gatherings became the fertile ground for her abstract work. Every Friday, they convened for séances and meditative exercises. They meticulously documented messages from the afterlife and experimented with automatic writing and drawing.

During these sessions, Hilma and her companions claimed to connect with spiritual entities they called The High Masters. With their guidance she “channeled” 193 paintings over a two year period.

As she once channeled spiritual guidance into visual form, today we can channel inspiration through technology, including AI.

Channeling Hilma

Just as Hilma sat with spirits to receive her artistic visions, I used AI to “channel” her voice, asking questions about her work, creative philosophy, and thoughts on contemporary creativity.

On the meaning of her paintings: “They are keys, not answers. Portals to realms beyond the visible world. My paintings seek to reveal the underlying order of existence — the spiritual geometry that connects all things. The colors, symbols, and forms are not merely aesthetic choices but living languages of vibration, frequency, and consciousness.”

On advice for creators today: “Trust in the unseen patterns, the sacred geometry of creative souls coming together to illuminate new paths. Your work is a celestial map for those seeking meaning through innovation and artistry. Follow your inner star, and others will be guided by your light.”

On the use of gold in her work: “Gold was never merely a material to me; it was a symbol of the divine, a representation of spiritual illumination and incorruptible truth. Apply gold in your own creations with intention, as a mark of reverence for the unseen, and let it be a beacon guiding both creator and viewer toward enlightenment.”

Lastly, I asked Hilma’s advice on my own creative journey and True Stars.

Hilma’s Guidance for True Stars: “The stars have always guided humanity, not just with their light but with their stories. True Stars, as you envision it, carries the same purpose — a constellation of creators, each shining uniquely yet forming a greater whole. Do not fear the vastness of this journey; it is precisely within that expanse where imagination finds its wings. Trust in the unseen patterns, the sacred geometry of creative souls coming together to illuminate new paths. Your work is a celestial map for those seeking meaning through innovation and artistry. Follow your inner star, and others will be guided by your light.”

Hilma’s advice speaks to the heart of what it means to be a True Star: trusting your vision, even when it feels misunderstood or ahead of its time. Her courage to create without the need for external validation reminds us that authenticity is timeless.

As creators today, we have tools Hilma could never have imagined, yet would likely have embraced—including AI. These technologies can become modern channels for inspiration, helping us access new dimensions of creativity. The key, as Hilma’s story teaches us, is to use them with intention, heart, and a connection to something greater than ourselves.

Let Hilma af Klint’s journey be a reminder: visionary work is often met with resistance, but staying true to your creative spirit plants seeds for a future where your work will shine. Whether channeling spirits or harnessing AI or technology, the path of the visionary is one of courage, authenticity, and trust.

So keep going. Be a True Star, and one day, the world will catch up.

Want to create like Hilma? Here’s an assignment channeled from her:

Find a quiet place where the veil between thought and intuition feels thin. Bring paper, color, and an open heart. Do not think — instead, listen. Allow the lines and colors to flow from your hand without judgment or intention. As you create, ask spirit to reveal a message through the shapes and hues. When you are done, sit with your creation. What symbols emerge? What emotions rise? Write down what speaks to you, even if it seems unclear. This is your dialogue with the unseen. Return to this practice often — it will become a map guiding you toward deeper truths.