A deal may be struck between the Hilma af Klint Foundation and major gallery David Zwirner to separate the artist’s work for profit. The Swedish artist’s family oversees her foundation, which protects her artwork and legacy.
The proposed deal between the foundation’s board of directors and David Zwirner could lead to the further commercialization and distribution of af Klint’s work, which family members say goes against her personal wishes as well as the foundation’s own statues.
Regulations stipulate that the “Temple Paintings” series (1906-15), a total of 193 works, may not be sold; however, other works can be sold to preserve the remaining works.
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Erik af Klint, the artist’s great-grandson and chairman of the board, described the move as a “hostile takeover.” The board, made up of four other members, disagreed with his views but supported the proposal. “The first paragraph of the charter says the board needs to ‘care’ about the job, but now they’re selling it,” he told reporters. guardian.
Internal tensions are not new for the af Klint Foundation, which has been embroiled in legal troubles since its founding nearly 30 years after the artist’s death in 1944. In recent years, there have been many cases and accusations of attempts to violate their rights. Profiting from af Klint’s fame.
Zwirner, known for leading one of the largest global businesses of its kind, claimed that “members of the family were operating against the best interests of Hilma Av Clint,” Zwirner told Art Network News”, “This was a power struggle within the board – a standoff between four of our board members and one board member who was trying to undermine them. “
Zwirner said proceeds from sales of af Klint’s works will be reinvested in the preservation of the 1,300 works in the custody of the Swedish Foundation. In addition, Zwirner will have a solo exhibition at the gallery next year, as well as new research into af Klint’s work and publications commemorating these efforts.
However, because of the spiritual aspects of the paintings, Eric and former foundation president and the artist’s great-nephew John Aff Clint felt that they needed to remain intact. Most works are owned by foundations rather than private collectors or institutions.
A spokesman for the foundation said: “We do not comment on ongoing work within the foundation’s board, other than to regret that confidential information and drafts were leaked and discussed, as this damages the reputation of the foundation.”
An attempt to sign an agreement with Zwirner last week was said to have been unsuccessful. Zwirner has so far overseen sales of af Klint’s work and, if signed, will become the foundation’s gallerist. A gallery spokesman confirmed art newsthey are still in “intensive discussions” with the Hilma af Klint Foundation to work on a collaborative representation.
