Georgiana Houghton

Following a period of formal experimentation, Houghton developed a completely abstract or non-objective style, at least 40 years before Kandinsky, Malevich,[9] František Kupka and Piet Mondrian – all of whom were in some measure inspired by spiritual themes.

[2] As her production continued, Houghton's images gained in complexity, exhibiting an increasing number of layers, colors and small details.

[11] Houghton described the apparently non-referential shapes and colors in her paintings as a system of “sacred symbolism,"[11] in which each formal element carried a unique meaning.

In 1871, Houghton organized and privately subsidized a public exhibition “Spirit Drawings in Water Colours” of 155 of her watercolours at the New British Library in London.

In June 2016, the Courtauld Institute of Art created a somewhat more comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the artist: “Georgiana Hougton: Spirit Drawings”.

[2] The Victorian Spiritualists' Union, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia have 35 of Houghton's original paintings permanently on display, and regularly loan the collections for exhibiting around the world.