Beyond the “Old Boys” Club

Most people think that Kandinsky was the first abstract painter.  But in the early 20th century, Swedish artist Hilma af Klint was actually the first to paint in a non-objective style.  The Friday Night Club, by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, M.J. Rose, is a fictional reimagining of how this talented woman, shunned by the male art establishment, found a way to preserve her creations for posterity and garner the respect she deserved.

The novel is also a story of friendship, for Klint was sustained financially and emotionally by four devoted friends.

This art history roman a clef makes a great summer read, not only as tale of female empowerment, but also as a picture of the European “occult revival.”  The five friends meet regularly on Friday evenings for mystical adventures facilitated by mediums.  Visions channeled during these sessions stimulate Klint’s transition into abstract imagery and paintings meant for a future temple of the spirit.