HILMA: An Opera

A new opera explores the life, work, and spirituality of abstract painter and mystic Hilma af Klint (1862-1944). Now celebrated, af Klint’s work was underrecognized for decades until a 2018 retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum drew attention to her contributions to abstract art. With musical composition by Robert M. Johanson and a libretto by Kate Scelsa, the performance pushes the boundaries of opera and traditional biography, inspired by the historical details of af Klint’s life while contemplating the implications of her visual and philosophical work. The production’s stage design suggests the immersive experience of standing in front of one of the artist’s massive paintings.

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.