Arcana Borealis — Northern Women and Esotericism
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Description
This exhibition catalogue offers fresh and nuanced perspectives on the intersections of art and esotericism, illuminating the often-overlooked roles of artist women in modern art history. The articles by international experts expand on the themes of the Ateneum Art Museum’s groundbreaking exhibition Arcana Borealis: Northern Women and Esotericism. They examine how esotericism, mysticism, and alternative spirituality have been intertwined with the artistic practices of northern women from the late 19th century onward. By tracing the engagement of around fifty artist women with esoteric ideas and practices, the catalogue reveals how they expand the horizons of modernism and transform our understanding of art.
- Publisher: Finnish National Gallery / Ateneum, 2026.
- Editor: Lene Wahlsten.
- Editor-in-Chief: Nina Kokkinen, Marja Lahelma.
- Photo editor: Petra Lehtoruusu.
- Writers: Benedikt Hjartarson, Nina Kokkinen, Pirkko Kotirinta, Ylva Lagercrantz Spindler, Marja Lahelma, Kristoffer Noheden, Eeva-Kristiina Nylander, Oscar Ortiz-Nieminen, Jean Ramsay, Sunneva Kristín Sigurðardóttir, Karin Ström Lehander, Hannes Trygg, Anu Utriainen.
- ISBN 978-952-7371-94-7
- Size 18,5 x 27,5 cm, 312 pages.
- Hardcover.
- Language English.
Arcana Borealis – Northern Women and Esotericism
The exhibition is the first showcase of the work of Northern women artists who have been influenced by alternative spiritual currents. The exhibition is groundbreaking, as the profound connection between modern art and esotericism, occultism and magic has previously been explored mainly through famous men artists.
The exhibition features both well-known and overlooked artists from the 19th century to the present day, including Anna-Eva Bergman, Anna Cassel, Ilona Harima, Sonja Ferlov Mancoba, Maja Fjaestad, Hilma af Klint, Iria Leino, Outi Pieski, Laila Pullinen, Elga Sesemann and Ellen Thesleff.
Hilma af Klint, The Dove no 1, Group 9, Series UW, 1915, By Courtesy of The Hilma af Klint Foundation. Photo: Moderna Museet
Every purchase supports the Finnish National Gallery
